The Spanish contingent deployed in Lebanon celebrates National Day

• Decorations, tributes to the fallen and words of recognition marked the ceremony presided over by General Abagnara at the Miguel de Cervantes Base in Marjayoun.

On the occasion of Spain's National Day, the Spanish contingent deployed in southern Lebanon celebrated this holiday at the Miguel de Cervantes Base in Marjayoun, headquarters of the XLIII Lebanon Brigade (BRILIB XLIII).

The ceremony was presided over by Major General Diodato Abagnara, Head of Mission and Commander of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), who was accompanied by Lebanese military and religious authorities, as well as representatives from other nations participating in the mission.

During the ceremony, tribute was paid to all those who died in the line of duty, especially those who lost their lives in Lebanon while carrying out their duties. In addition, national and United Nations decorations were awarded to various members of BRILIB XLIII in recognition of their commitment and dedication in carrying out the tasks entrusted to them by UN Security Council Resolution 1701.

During his speech at the military parade, Brigadier General Ricardo Esteban Cabrejos, head of UNIFIL's Eastern Sector BRILIB and BRILIB XLIII, emphasised that "today we are celebrating our National Day far from home, but surrounded by our second family, the military. We also have the presence of our comrades from UNIFIL and, most importantly, the warmth of the Lebanese people, represented by the LAF and the civil and religious authorities." For most of the Spanish contingent, this is the first time they have celebrated this day from Lebanon, and ‘this makes the date an indelible memory for the future,’ continued the general, ‘because today we celebrate belonging to a great nation, with solid foundations forged throughout its history and proud to champion the concept of Hispanic culture.’

Finally, he said that Lebanon is facing a historic opportunity for peace, in which ‘all parties involved must contribute and make the necessary concessions to break the vicious cycle of conflict that can end once and for all. Spain and the Spanish people will always be willing to support this process.’

For his part, General Abagnara wished to express his gratitude to the Spanish contingent: ‘Your exemplary professionalism, tireless dedication and firm commitment to the principles of the United Nations are a benchmark of excellence in the fulfilment of the mandate established by Security Council Resolution 1701.’

To finish the ceremony, the military force marched past civil and military authorities, as well as representatives of civil society, as a public demonstration of Spain's commitment to international peace and security, and the cultural and human ties that bind the Spanish military to the local communities of southern Lebanon.