SEVILLE CELEBRATES A MILITARY PARADE ON THE OCCASION OF THE FIFTH CENTENARY OF 9TH LIGHT INFANTRY REGIMENT "SORIA"

Land Force Headquarters, in co-ordination with the commission for the fifth centenary celebration commemorative events for the creation of 9th Light Infantry Regiment “Soria", has organised numerous events during March in Seville, since this unit was present in this capital for almost a century (1898-1996).

Brotherhood dinners, concerts and lectures have recalled the time of Regiment "Soria" in this city on the Guadalquivir River.

In culmination of the commemorative events, the “Plaza de España” in Seville was adorned in order to undertake, on 28th March, a military parade in which nearly 400 people, among them civilians and service personnel who have served in the Regiment’s ranks throughout its history, had the opportunity to again swear allegiance to their unit’s Flag. A very moving moment, just as recalled in the speech by General Simón, who addressed those attending on behalf of the former members of Regiment "Soria". “A Regiment that for nearly a century has been part of the soul and life of this city of Seville. The present members of Regiment "Soria" will know how to fulfil, as the did in the past, the responsibilities that the country requires of them,” he pointed out. Land Parade At half past twelve in the morning the military parade began, presided over by the Land Force commander, Lieutenant General Sañudo, who was accompanied by the leading civilian and military authorities in Andalusia.

During the ceremony, General Simón presented the Regiment “Soria” colonel’s Colour to the commander of the same, Colonel Terol. “On this Infantry Regiment colonel’s Colour, which is the oldest in Spain, and probably in Europe also, the love and dedication for Spain is represented by all those who, since 1509, have joined its ranks and have permitted with their dedication that our country has gone down in history,” stated the general.

Following this, Colonel Terol took the floor. “The members of the Regiment have demonstrated bravery, loyalty and sacrifice, and have spilt much blood in defence of Spain’s interests. The Colonel’s Colour will remind us of the example given by all those who have preceded us. Celebrating this event here, in Seville, constitutes a great satisfaction for us,” he assured. 
Immediately after this, the 9th Light Infantry Regiment "Soria" commander presented a commemorative plaque to the city of Seville, which was accepted by its mayor, Mr. Alfredo Sánchez Monteseirín. “Regiment "Soria" is now distant; far in distance but near the heart and tradition of the city of Seville,” said the mayor. Subsequently, the Land Force commander, Lieutenant General Sañudo, addressed those attending and pointed out that in Regiment "Soria" «many Andalusians have joined the military service who today remember the Regiment in a special manner. They make up part of History, of a rich, fertile history of dedication and service in order to fulfil duty at all times, to the nation and doing it all with honour.”

Following the ceremony in tribute to those who have given their lives for Spain, the parade of the Force took place with the participation of an Honour Squad and the War Band from the 9th Light Infantry Regiment "Soria", the Second Army Sub-Inspection General Band, a company from the 9th Regiment "Soria", as well as a mixed company -made up of units based in Seville- composed of platoons from the 74th Anti-aircraft Artillery Regiment, the 21st Logistic Support Group and the 4th Manoeuvre Helicopter Battalion.

Nearly a thousand residents of Seville congregated in the “Plaza de España” to support the members of Regiment "Soria" on such an emblematic date for the unit. Among them was journalist Antonio Burgos, who was interviewed by “Tierra” Newspaper following the ceremony. “The bond between Seville and the Army is extremely old. It dates back in time because Seville was reconquered by a soldier. The link between the city and the Armed Forces has become personified by certain units, and Regiment "Soria" is a clear example. All important events in this city are led by a drum and a bugle. At this fifth centenary event they have spoken of this Regiment’s War Band, which is very closely linked with Holy Week in Seville and childhood memories, when as children we would go each day to see the brotherhood, whose canopy was followed by the 9th Regiment “Soria” Band. The Armed Forces have given music to the soul of Seville,” he commented.