Jun
The event was held at the Ambassador's Old Residence
On June 4, 2015, a reception to celebrate the Armed Forces Day of Spain took place at the former residence of the Ambassador of Spain in Washington, D.C. After the national anthems of the United States of America and Spain, Ambassador Ramon Gil-Casares made a short introduction to highlight the extraordinary relationship between both countries. Next, the Defense Attaché, Brigadier General Angel, Valcarcel addressed the audience.
General Valcarcel started his speech by stressing the commitment, year after year, of the Spanish Armed forces to peace and stability in the world. He invited the guests to take a look at the exhibition that was made for that occasion, composed of 24 murals with images, supported by the projection of several videos, depicting the Armed forces participation in all and every one of the multinational operations that are currently taking place around the world.
Regarding the relations with the United States, General Valcarcel pointed out that they started even before this country was born as a nation, thanks in part to the military, logistic, and financial support provided by the Kingdom of Spain to the thirteen colonies that were seeking their independence. He praised the deeds of General Galvez, whose contribution in the South was equally decisive to that of General Lafayette in the North, something that the Congress and the White House have recently recognized by naming him “Honorary Citizen of the United States”, an honor that have only received other six personalities, among them General Lafayette himself.
After emphasizing the impact that the use of Rota Naval Base and Moron Air Base has had on the current bilateral relations, General Valcárcel pointed out the fact that these relations have been extended as well to the cooperation in the industrial and technological arenas. He gave as an example the success of the “First Industry Day Spain-USA”, that recently took place in Washington, D.C.
He thanked the sponsorship of Companies as Airbus Group, Everis, Navantia, UTI, EINSA, GMV, NDRA, Expal, and DAS Photonics, and concluded with a warm and touching toast to His Majesty the King of Spain.
