Melilla has joined the rest of the country this afternoon to pay a solemn tribute, which took place in the Plaza de España, to the 188 men and women of the National Police Force who lost their lives as a result of terrorism and to convey their affection and affection to the entire National Police and the families of the victims.

The Delegate of the Government, Sabrina Moh, who presided over the act, recalled that terrorism, in its different forms and throughout our history, has hit the members of the Force and Security Corps “to attack the State, the institutions and the whole of the citizenry.” “Each attack not only sought to sow terror in the heart of our coexistence, but also to undermine the pillars of our society and, of course, our country,” he said.

“And there you have been the women and men of the Security Forces and Corps, in the front line for the defense of all citizens and facing this scourge and demonstrating the democratic strength of Spain, which was imposed from unity, determination and democratic resistance,” he stressed.

For this reason, he stressed, “it is necessary to organize an event like today’s and schedule a date that will serve to honor and remember, year after year, the memory of the victims and to show, as a society, our affection, respect and gratitude to all of them putting in value that example in the weakness of our freedoms that some paid with their own lives.”

Basic pillar in the defense of freedoms

The head of the Government Delegation explained that this is a special tribute, the first edition of which is born in a significant year, the celebration of the 200th anniversary of the creation of the General Police of the Kingdom, antecedent of what today constitutes our National Police Force. “A day, June 16, that will be marked on the calendar as a date to remember and honor the memory of the National Police killed by terrorism and also to have a special memory for the people who, although not losing their lives, also suffered this type of attack,” he said.

“Today, two centuries later and thanks to your ability to adapt, you have become an essential institution in our society, a body formed by women and men who have managed, thanks to your work, to be a basic and fundamental pillar in the defense of our rights and freedoms,” said Moh, who has defined them as “a team of professionals who have achieved high levels of security and be one of the best valued institutions.”

In his speech, he pointed out that the women and men who are part of the National Police Force “have worked, throughout your history, to provide all of us with the security we deserve, thus complying and fulfilling one of the mandates of our Spanish Constitution.” And, in a vocational profession such as this, he added, “you have done so by putting your own physical integrity and your own lives first to safeguard that of others.”

In her speech, the Delegate recalled that democracy and the Spanish people defeated terrorism and the National Police, together with the other Security Forces and Corps, different institutions, armed forces and together with the whole of society, “played a crucial role and indispensable work in safeguarding the constitution and constitutional values and principles.”

And for carrying out that high mission, he added, “188 National Police paid a high cost: to be killed at the hands of terrorists both nationally and outside our borders.” For this reason, he stressed, “today we have gathered here to pay special tribute to them and to reaffirm our commitment to peace and justice.”

A future of peace

“In Melilla, as in the rest of Spain, we want to remember those men and women who gave their lives for freedom and security in our country, we want to express our sincere gratitude and recognize their sacrifice and, of course, keep their memory alive, ensuring that their legacy lasts through time and that future generations do not forget the high price that peace cost,” he said.

“The victims of terrorism in the National Police were people who worked to make security in Spain not a concern, but a guarantee and who, despite knowing the risks and challenges, chose to face the danger and fulfill their duty, because they knew that their work was essential to maintain peace and security for everyone,” he said.

Sabrina Moh, in her speech, stressed that today’s act must also serve as a manifestation of the strongest condemnation of terrorism in any form. “A scourge that is incompatible with democracy, pluralism, and the most elementary values of our society,” he said.

Finally, the highest representative of the Government of Spain in our city, recalled that Spain “deserves a future in peace, never forgetting those who, with their dedication, strengthened our democracy”. “May their names be remembered with respect and admiration and may their memory inspire us to continue working so that freedom continues to reap victories,” he said.