The Higher Police Headquarters of Cantabria has hosted this Thursday the commemorative act of the Day of the Victims of Terrorism in the National Police, a day of tribute, remembrance and recognition to the agents who were killed, injured or persecuted for their work in defense of democracy and the rule of law. The event was presided over by the delegate of the Government of Spain in Cantabria, Eugenia Gómez de Diego, and the Superior Chief of Police, Carmen Martínez Ruiz.
During his speech, Gómez de Diego stressed the “ethical and collective duty” of remembering the 188 national police officers killed between 1968 and 2015, as well as the dozens of injured agents and their families.
"During these five decades, Spain has closely felt the barbarity and unreason of terrorist violence. A brutal and cowardly violence. The victims symbolize the defense of freedom and the rule of law against the terrorist threat," he said.
In this way, the delegate of the Government has pointed out that "Spanish society and the National Police owe a debt of gratitude to those who gave their lives to defend our freedom", highlighting the values of "memory, truth, dignity and justice" as pillars so that "the scourge of evil does not find any justification again, here or anywhere".
The representative of the Executive also recalled that this day of tribute was born to “preserve and keep alive the memory” of the victims of terrorism within the National Police, “a body that was always at the forefront in the fight against terror.”
"In a country that was hit hard by ETA's terrorism, history reveals to us that the terrorists did not achieve their goal and that the strength of Spain prevailed. Faced with coercion and violence, our country responded with determination and democratic resistance. And the National Police played an essential role, an indispensable work in safeguarding the Constitution and the values and principles that it represents," he said.
Thus, he reiterated the Government’s commitment to the victims: “We want to express our heartfelt gratitude, acknowledge their sacrifice and ensure that their legacy lives on.”
"Memory should serve to be able to look forward without forgetting how we got here. The recognition of the past will allow us to build a new society that is freer and more tolerant," said Gómez de Diego.
Defend rights and freedoms
The event began with the interpretation of the National Anthem and the passing of a magazine by the authorities to the police training. The Senior Police Chief, Carmen Martínez Ruiz, has opened the speaking time by highlighting the tribute paid by “active, second activity and retired police officers” to their murdered and wounded colleagues, especially those with Cantabrian roots. “They were targets of terrorism for defending rights and freedoms in Spain, for exercising and fulfilling the mission entrusted to them, for the simple fact of being National Police. We extend this intimate tribute to all victims of terrorism and their families," he said.
In the course of the event, a commemorative video was screened in memory of the 188 fallen agents, and a solemn tribute was paid to the presence of representatives of the Cantabrian Association of Victims of Terrorism, civil and military authorities, police officers and numerous citizens.
The Day of the Victims of Terrorism in the National Police was established by resolution of the General Directorate of the Police on January 10, 2024, establishing its annual celebration around June 16. With events such as the one held this Thursday in Santander, it seeks to reinforce the institutional commitment to the memory and dignity of those who faced terrorist barbarity from the police uniform.