13
Nov
The national flag was received with enthusiasm by the locals
The events commemorating the 450 anniversary of the founding of Saint Augustine in Florida, America´s oldest city, culminated with a military parade organized by the Military Officers Association of America – Ancient City Chapter, St. Augustine and the Veterans Council of St. Johns County on Veterans Day, November 11.
After the warm reception and success of the recent official visit of the Spanish King and Queen to Saint Augustine last September, the Association, the Council, and the Mayor invited the Embassy to participate with a Spanish military representation that would join other troops and units in an extraordinary parade organized to give tribute to the 23,000 veterans of St. Johns county where the city is located.
The parade started with a group of young reenactors wearing uniforms representing veterans from every era of St. Augustine´s unique military history who accompanied the Color Guards of the United States and the State of Florida. After this came the Flag of Spain, carried by Command Sergeant Major Salvador García Herreros, and escorted by the Governor and members of the Order de Granaderos de Gálvez, who carried the Burgundy Cross flag, the Flag of the former Spanish Louisiana Regiment, and the Coronela flag belonging to General Galvez, recently distinguished as “Honorary Citizen of the United States of America” for his heroic contribution to the birth of this great nation.
War veterans paraded together with active service members of the three services and the Florida National Guard. “It´s the first time that we celebrate a military parade in Saint Augustine, we decided that it was the right moment to do it because it was the best way to culminate the celebration of the 450 anniversary of our history” – said Bill Dudley, chairman, Veterans Council of St. Johns County. Junior ROTC drill teams and marching units from high schools in the region also participated in the parade. “This represents that the future of America is in good hands” – stated George Linardos, Director, Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), Old City Chapter, St. Augustine, who organized the parade.
After the parade, the Defense Attaché attended a historical reenactment at the Castillo de San Marcos. “This city has survived for 450 years because it has always been well protected, its strength marked the beginning of the powerful United States militia” – explained members of the MOAA.
