The delegate of the Government in Cantabria, Eugenia Gómez de Diego, presided today, together with Colonel Chief Antonio Orantos, the act of commemoration of the 180th anniversary of the foundation of the Civil Guard, which was held at the Campogiro quartering.
In his speech, Gómez de Diego highlighted the importance of the Civil Guard as "a fundamental reference in the protection of our society" and has valued its "honor, integrity, loyalty, neutrality and commitment", as well as its "selfless and silent work".
The delegate recalled the words of the field marshal Francisco Javier Girón y Ezpeleta, second duke of Ahumada, who in the Cartilla to the creation of the Corps wrote: "The Civil Guard must not be feared, but of the evildoers; nor feared, but of the enemies of order. He will always try to be a happy prognosis for the afflicted, and that, at his presentation, the one who believed himself to be surrounded by murderers, may be freed from them; the one who had his house in flames, consider the fire extinguished; the one who sees his son dragged by the stream of water, believes him saved; and, finally, he must always look after the property and safety of all."
Gómez de Diego pointed out that the Civil Guard "is a security force close to the citizen, increasingly versatile, that adapts to the times and new circumstances that surround us."
The delegate also highlighted the commitment of the Government of Spain to the Civil Guard, "to continue promoting better staff, which are today already the most numerous for years and with the greatest number of female talent in its history".
"Of course, my commitment as a delegate of the Government is to collaborate and always from institutional loyalty, to be a lever and support in your needs and improvements," said Gómez de Diego.
During the event, which was attended by the president of the Government of Cantabria, María José Saénz de Buruaga, 18 decorations have been awarded to the Merit of the Civil Guard and diplomas have been given to Corps personnel for their retirement. Finally, tribute has been paid to the civil guards who have lost their lives in the act of service and the anthem of the institution has been sung.