This Monday, the Minister of Defense, Margarita Robles, conveyed her affection to Queen Sofía, support and gratitude of the Spanish people “right now” and highlighted his example of dedication and solidarity towards Spain. “We are very proud of you, your son and the Princess of Asturias. They follow and will always follow their example,” Robles told the Queen Emeritus in a brief intervention during the celebration of the 19th anniversary of the creation of the Emergency Unit (UME), of which Doña Sofía is the godmother.
The Queen presided over the solemn ceremony during which the feast of the patron saint of the EMUthe Virgin of the Rosary, and the fifteen years of delivery of the standard to the unit.
Also in his speech, the head of the UME, Lieutenant General Francisco Marcos Izquierdo, thanked Doña Sofía for the commitment she expressed 15 years ago “to keep a privileged place in her heart for the UME”. “Your perseverance, your spirit of service and your love for Spain are a true example for all of us“, said the lieutenant general to Doña Sofía.
Upon arrival at the Torrejón Air Base, where the UME headquarters are located, the Queen received military honors and, after reviewing the troops, greeted the civil and military authorities before ascending to the rostrum from where she followed the act.
In addition to Robles, the Chief of Defense Staff (Jemad), Admiral Teodoro López Calderón, the Secretary of State for Defense, Amparo Valcarce, the director of the National Intelligence Center (CNI), Esperanza Casteleiro; and the leaders of the three armies accompanied the queen in this celebration.
The flyover of three planes from the 43rd group, known as “fire extinguishers”, and two rescue helicopters, gave way to the parade on the ground, accompanied by mechanized units, after which the Queen inaugurated a commemorative plaque to applause and cheers. cheers from those present.
