Melilla Celebrates the Legion’s 106th Anniversary

The Chief of Staff of the Army presided over the Legion’s 106th Anniversary

The Chief of Staff of the Army (JEME), General Amador Enseñat y Berea, presided on September 20 over the commemorative ceremony marking the 106th anniversary of the Legion’s founding, held at “Millán Astray” Barracks in Melilla, home to the “Gran Capitán” 1st Legion Regiment.

During the commemorative ceremony, personnel associated with the unit renewed their commitment to Spain, and a farewell ceremony was held before the National Colours for personnel leaving the unit. Decorations were also presented, Honorary Legionnaires were appointed, and the traditional Legion Awards were presented, together with the various distinctions awarded by brotherhoods, fraternities, and Legion-affiliated associations.

Moment during the ceremony held in Melilla

In his address, the Chief of Staff of the Army congratulated all members of the Legion, as well as those who renewed their oath of allegiance to the Colours or received recognition during the ceremony. He also expressed his appreciation for the work carried out by Legionnaires and highlighted that, 106 years after the first Legionnaire enlisted, the Legion retains intact the spirit that has characterized the unit throughout its history, based on discipline, comradeship, the will to win, and a constant readiness to make sacrifices and serve.

General Enseñat underscored the importance of preserving this legacy and carrying it forward into the future. Finally, he expressed his appreciation to Legion families for the support they provide to those who serve in its ranks, and urged Legionnaires to continue carrying out their duties with the dedication, high standards, and spirit that characterize the Legion.

Tribute to the Fallen

The military parade began with the Chief of Staff of the Army reviewing the formation, which comprised various units of the 1st Battalion of the “Gran Capitán” Regiment, under the command of its commanding officer, Colonel García del Castillo. This was followed by the reading of the Royal Decree establishing the Tercio de Extranjeros (“Foreign Legion”), the unit’s original designation, which was created in 1920 and officially adopted the name “Legion” in 1937.

Subsequently, the commanding officer of the Regiment addressed those in attendance, followed by a tribute to those who gave their lives for Spain, featuring the singing of the various Legion anthems and the recitation of two passages from the Legion’s Creed. Following the Chief of Staff of the Army’s address, the parade of the participating units brought the military parade to a close.