“Civil Guards of the Melilla Command, I know that you will continue to be willing to respond to the different scenarios that are presented to you, that you will turn the great challenges into your own goals and that you will continue to contribute, with your efforts, to the achievement of a Spain that is increasingly fair and egalitarian, more plural and diverse, more secure and free. In short, a Spain of all and for all.”
The Delegate of the Government, Sabrina Moh, has presided over a solemn and emotional act held this Thursday at the Command of the Civil Guard on the occasion of the 181st anniversary of the foundation of the body, valuing the legacy, the vocation of service and the unwavering commitment of the men and women who make up this historic institution.
The highest representative of the Government of Spain in our country has taken advantage of today’s event to continue urging the women and men of the Benemérita “to continue along this path, to continue promoting and persevering in the Benemérito Spirit of the body as a fundamental pillar to continue advancing in your vocation of service and that you continue to develop your work preserving the Honor as the main Currency”.
During her speech, Sabrina Moh recalled the origins of the Civil Guard, created by the Duke of Ahumada on May 13, 1844, and stressed that the founding principles of the body - service, discipline, delivery - remain in force 181 years later. “A story that begins to be built on May 13, 1844 when, through a Royal Decree, an armed body is founded with the objective of providing effective protection of order, people and the property of honest neighbors,” he said.
The head of the Government Delegation has emphasized that each anniversary is not only a protocol event, but also an opportunity to publicly acknowledge and thank the agents for their daily work. “Every May 13 must be a date of celebration and a day that allows us to continue strengthening and valuing all those principles that have guided your work during these almost two centuries of dedication,” he said.
“You have managed to be the faithful reflection of the meaning of dedication and sacrifice,” said Moh, who, however, has made it clear that “being a Civil Guard is more than a profession. It goes beyond the tasks entrusted to you. It represents a model of personal sacrifice whose vocation of service transcends one’s obligations.”
“Your work goes beyond guaranteeing our security and ensuring public order, since there are many generations who have worked to protect our rights, putting at risk even life itself, if necessary, and that is why every year we must continue to thank you for your dedication and professionalism,” he said.
Melilla and the Guardia Civil: 132 years of common history
A central part of the Delegate’s speech was dedicated to the link between the autonomous city and the Benemérita. Thus, Moh recalled that the presence of the Civil Guard in Melilla dates back to 1893, becoming since then an essential part of the institutional and social fabric of the city.
“Since 1893, you have carried out your work with an enormous professionalism, tireless dedication and the loyalty that characterizes you,” said the Delegate, while highlighting the work of the agents deployed in the autonomous city, recognizing the specific challenges involved in the defense of security in this part of the national territory and highlighting its role in ensuring order and coexistence.
He has also spoken about the nearly 37 years that have passed since the first 197 women entered the Baeza academy on September 1, 1988. “37 years demonstrating the value and the necessary and fundamental role that women develop within the body,” he said.
Past, present and future
In his address, Moh stressed that “it is not possible to speak of present and future without remembering the past,” a past that constitutes “one of your greatest treasures.”
“We know that the road has not been easy. You have faced challenges such as terrorism, cybersecurity, natural disasters and countless challenges in very changing times and, there, once again, you have demonstrated your ability to adapt to be able to respond with maximum efficiency”, he acknowledged. “Your continuous evolution is linked to that sense of responsibility that makes you live in a continuous learning process necessary to respond forcefully and firmly,” he added.
But, in his speech, he acknowledged that talking about the Civil Guard “is also to do so of trust and closeness, something that you demonstrate on a daily basis in the exercise of your functions.” These functions, as he recalled, are entrusted by our Magna Carta “but that our Civil Guards carry out their duty and hoping, alone, for a memory of gratitude from the one whom they have favored, as your card gathers”.
Therefore, the Delegate, on behalf of all the citizens, has conveyed her sincere thanks “for making it possible for us to continue exercising our rights and freedoms from the tranquility that comes from knowing that you provide us with that security scenario”.
Veterans and Fallen: Living Body Memory
A special part of his speech was dedicated “to the role played by all the companions who preceded you”, so he had a few words of affection for the veterans, “people who, although they have left active service, can never cease to be Civil Guards or to be part of this great family”.
“To our dear veterans of the Melilla Command, I would like to remind you that your legacy has been added to the many and many pages written with a green pen and thank you for allowing us to continue enjoying your experience and wisdom,” he said, and has launched “a kiss to heaven” in memory of Natalio Trujillo, a veteran who died a few months ago.
He has also had words of remembrance for all those Civil Guards who gave their lives in the act of service and has extended all their support and affection to family and friends. “His memory will remain indelible in the memory of this Benemeritus institute,” he said.
“The Civil Guard is a clear example of commitment to public service and teamwork,” he said, something that in acts like today’s is recognized for what the Delegate has conveyed her sincere congratulations to all those decorated today “for this fair and deserved recognition of work.”
He has also wished all those who have gone into a reserve or retirement situation “to enjoy the well-deserved rest after a life of dedication, service and dedication” and has sent words of thanks and admiration to all the relatives and loved ones of our Guards, to all those people who, unconditionally, give them the support and understanding necessary to carry out their duties.”
A closure with benevolent spirit
In the final section of her speech, the Delegate encouraged the agents to continue moving forward on the path marked by history, with “honor as the main currency” and the vocation of service as a guide.
“Civil Guards of Melilla, I know that you will continue to be willing to respond to the different scenarios that arise. That you will turn the big challenges into your own goals. And that you will continue to contribute, with your efforts, to the achievement of a Spain that is increasingly fair and egalitarian, more plural and diverse, more secure and free,” he said.
Moh has congratulated the Civil Guards of Melilla, on behalf of the Government of Spain, the Minister of the Interior and his own, for these 181 years of history and, as a culmination, and with the auditorium set in motion, the Delegate has closed her speech with live to Spain, the King and the Civil Guard itself.