The Delegate of the Government, Sabrina Moh, has highlighted the 180 years that the Civil Guard has been guaranteeing “that all of us can exercise the free exercise of our rights and freedoms and guarantee our security, as entrusted to you by our Constitution”, as well as its “vocation of public service that, as a society, we must recognize and thank”.
The highest representative of the Government of Spain in our city, in her speech at the event that the Civil Guard Command held this lunchtime in commemoration of the 180th anniversary of the founding of the Benemérita, congratulated this institution and thanked the women and men who make it “for having worked during all these years for the conservation of such an outstanding and necessary body for our society”.
“One more year I ask you to continue along the same path that you have done so far, combining your values with the difficult task entrusted to you by our Constitution, combating any threat against our rights and freedoms and, in short, involving yourselves as you know how to do to continue promoting a better society,” he asked.
One more year, she added, “I remain convinced that you will continue to face the great challenges from your firm commitment, and I know that you will continue to focus on improving public services, but, above all, striving to achieve an increasingly fair and egalitarian Spain, free of hatred and safer and ensuring the conservation of diversity as one of our main riches.” To this end, he stressed, “as always, you will continue to count on the support of this Government Delegate.
History and legacy
“When we talk about the Civil Guard, we talk about history, yes, but also about present and future”, he assured, and he pointed out that “we all know the challenges that our agents have had to face or the challenges they have faced since the creation of the body”, but he has also spoken about present and future because, “despite the adversities and the continuous evolution of our society, the Civil Guard has always been able to adapt, modernizing its means, incorporating new techniques or procedures and, ultimately, professionalizing to give the necessary response at all times, but never losing its original spirit, that intrinsic nature and those values that were instilled in us.” Some values, he added, “that last almost two centuries later”.
“Your past in one of our most precious assets and, therefore, we have an obligation not only to preserve and value it, but also to remember and commemorate it,” he said. For this reason, it has valued events such as the one that has been developed today, “in which we can express our most sincere recognition for your commitment, dedication, professionalism, loyalty to Spain and its citizenship.”
In her speech, the head of the Government Delegation recalled that the card already stated that "the Civil Guard does nothing but fulfill his duty, and if something should wait for the one he has favored, it should be, alone, a memory of gratitude". This fragment, he assured, “only highlights what we know today as the true vocation of public service, something that you show every day with your performances.” Some actions, he said, that make society “more proud and grateful every day.”
Moh has stressed that the Civil Guards of the present are “heirs of a legacy that has remained intact over time, of a tradition compatible with your continuous evolution and that only accentuates your effectiveness.” But, in addition, he reminded them that “you must be transmitters of this heritage forged on the basis of the solid principles that your founder conceived for you so that future generations may continue to evolve without ever losing the benevolent spirit.”
Some principles and values, he added, “that give meaning and enlarge your work, which began as early as 1844 and which thanks to all those who have honored and continue to honor the uniform is still more alive than ever.”
At this point, the Delegate has had a few words of remembrance and affection for those who gave their lives in the act of service and has sent their support and affection to all their relatives and loved ones. “His memory will always have a very special chapter in the history and memory of our benevolent Institute,” he said.
131 years in Melilla
Sabrina Moh, in her speech, also referred to the 131 years with an uninterrupted presence in Melilla, since “since 1893 you have worked in our city with an enormous professionalism, tireless dedication and the loyalty that characterizes you”.
And he has also referred to the incorporation of women into the body. “36 years, wearing the benevolent uniform and proving your worth and the fundamental and necessary role that you develop,” he said.
“I am happy to know that this year we have had the highest number of women joining this great benemérita family and we will continue to work in the same line so that this is the norm and not the exception,” he said.
Today’s event has served to carry out the imposition of decorations and the delivery of diplomas to retired and reserve personnel. Therefore, the Delegate congratulated the honored ones who “are a fair and deserved recognition of your work and I want it to be a stimulus to continue working with the same dedication”, while dedicating a few words of praise to their relatives and loved ones. “My sincere thanks for the support and understanding they always give you. You are a fundamental pillar in their day to day and, therefore, a key piece since you allow with your patience and generosity that they develop their functions with greater dedication,” he assured.
As for the veterans, Moh has emphasized the service they have provided during their period at the disposal of society and that, now, in a retirement situation, “they are always willing to continue contributing their experience and wisdom, something that continues to enlarge the body.”
And for those who go into the reserve or retirement situation this year, I wish them the well-deserved rest “after a life of dedication like that of this great family of veterans of which you will begin to be part”.
Finally, Sabrina Moh, on behalf of the Government of Spain, the Minister of the Interior and her own, has reiterated her sincere congratulations on the 180th anniversary of the creation of the Civil Guard.