“I want to highlight the 131 years with an uninterrupted presence in Melilla since 1893, you have worked in our city with a tireless dedication and the loyalty that characterizes you.”
The Delegate of the Government, Sabrina Moh, on the occasion of the official act that has been carried out this noon in the Command of the Civil Guard on the occasion of the celebration of the Feast of Our Lady the Virgin of the Pillar, Patron of the Benemérita, has valued the history and tradition of the Civil Guard and all the people who make up the body, as well as “the unwavering commitment of this Delegate with each one of you and you so that, hand in hand, we continue working for the defense of our security and well-being.”
The highest representative of the Government of Spain in our city recalled that this defense began on May 13, 1844 when the second Duke of Ahumada, Francisco Javier Girón and Ezpeleta, designed the structure and principles of the Civil Guard, with the main objective of providing a security force that could act throughout the national territory.
“Since its creation, the Civil Guard has played an important role in maintaining public order and protecting citizens, adapting over these 180 years to social changes and new security needs,” he acknowledged.
And although the functions and structure have evolved, he has emphasized that “the essence of the benevolent spirit has remained intact.” Thus, he assured that the Civil Guard, as an Institution, “has been, is and will continue to be a fundamental pillar in our society.” “Every day, our agents face significant challenges, risking their own physical integrity with courage and loyalty,” he said, while indicating that “their work goes beyond work, since it is a vocation that requires rigor, firmness and constancy.”
History and future
“Civil guards, always remember that your past is one of our most precious assets. Well, we must continue to preserve and value”, he asked.
The Delegate has reminded the civil guards that they are heirs “of a legacy that has remained intact over time, of a tradition compatible with your continuous evolution, and that this only accentuates your effectiveness.”
He has therefore asked them to continue to be “faithful transmitters of this heritage forged on the basis of sound principles that your Founder conceived for you so that future generations may continue to evolve without losing the benevolent spirit.”
Some principles and values, he said, “that not only give meaning to your work, but also enlarge it”. “Continue on your path with the same determination and unity with which you have done so far, without losing sight of your main objective: to always be at the service of our Nation, and do not forget that together we will always face any challenge that comes before us in order to continue promoting a better society,” he stressed.
“When we talk about the Civil Guard, we talk about history, yes, but also about present and future”, said Moh, since “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 also present and future “because, despite the adversities and the continuous evolution of our society, the Civil Guard has always been able to adapt by modernizing its means, incorporating new techniques or procedures, in short, professionalizing to give the necessary response at every moment”.
Something, he has apostilled, that he has done “without ever losing his original spirit, that intrinsic nature and those values that the Duke of Ahumada instilled in you and that last almost two centuries later”.
At this point, the Delegate has valued the work that the women and men of the Civil Guard do in terms of protecting and safeguarding our borders with special attention to the migratory pressure they have had to face along our coasts, “always finding that difficult balance between the mandate you have entrusted and the most human part that must prevail in the face of this type of drama.”
But, “in times of change, your adaptability and commitment have been fundamental to addressing new challenges,” he added, pointing out that modernizing your functions and incorporating new technologies are essential to remain increasingly effective in your missions. Something, he has assured, “that we know in Melilla at first hand,” so he has highlighted the capacity for work during the installation and start-up of the new infrastructure and systems that constitute the so-called smart border, without having to stop the activity.
“It has already been 180 years carrying out the difficult task of making it possible for all of us to exercise the free exercise of our rights and freedoms and guarantee our security, as entrusted to you by our Constitution, something that implies a vocation of public service, which, as a society, we must acknowledge and thank,” he said.
In her speech, the Delegate has digested “each and every one of the agents who are part of this staff”, to whom she has pointed out that “you do a commendable job”, for which she has recognized again and publicly, “your professionalism and commitment”. “We know that your mission is not easy and, therefore, you have to be grateful and recognized every day,” she said.
Integrity model to follow
In her speech, Sabrina Moh has had words of praise for the veterans, “who have served Spain, with honor and courage, during their trajectory, a group of professionals that constitutes one of the backbone of this Institution.”
“During your active service you have been true guardians of peace, protectors of the law and a model of integrity to follow,” he assured them. Therefore, “today, your loyalty, respect and sense of duty are some of the principles that guide our civil guards and your imprint will continue to live in every corner of our history,” he assured. “Veterans, thank you for your dedication and sacrifice and for being an example of what it means to serve the Homeland,” he added.
The Delegate also referred to the excellent coordination between the Civil Guard, the National Police Force and the Local Police. “That joint work that keeps you promoting the strengthening of relations and building a safer and fairer future for all,” he said, while thanking them for the work as well as the armed forces, as well as all the institutions, agencies and entities that show their support, day by day, to our Civil Guard.
During his speech he made a special mention of the heroes of the body. “The loss of a partner is a hard blow for everyone, but if it touches us too close, the pain is even more intense,” he acknowledged. Therefore, “with deep respect and solemnity, I want to pay tribute to all the companions who gave their lives in an act of service.”
Moh has had a special memory for the Civil Guard Don José Javier Martín Doña, who died in a sudden and tragic traffic accident. “May our support and affection reach your relatives and loved ones,” he asked.
In the chapter of congratulations she has also had words for all the people who are decorated since this recognition “means praising your great work and a stimulus to continue working with the same dedication”, as well as for the family and loved ones “to become that key and necessary piece so that you can develop your functions with greater dedication. Your patience and generosity are worthy of recognition.”
He has also conveyed a few words of affection to those who have gone into a situation of reservation or retirement, to those who have wished them to enjoy a well-deserved rest after a life of dedication, service and dedication.