LIEUTENANT GENERAL MUÑOZ-GRANDES BECOMES A MEMBER OF THE ROYAL ACADEMY OF MORAL AND POLICITAL SCIENCES

In one of the oldest buildings in Madrid (the “Casa de los Lujanes”) and surrounded by portraits of illustrious figures, Lieutenant General Agustín Muñoz-Grandes Galilea took possession of his place as a new permanent member of the Royal Academy of Moral and Political Sciences.  The ceremony took place on 30th November in a public meeting attended by numerous academicians and guests.

In his reception address, the lieutenant general spoke of his “permanent aspiration to be a good soldier for Spain,” something that he has had very much in mind since the day that, 58 years ago, he took the oath of allegiance before the Flag of Spain.  Following this, the academician-elect expressed praise for Mr. Sabino Fernández Campo (ex head of His Majesty the King’s Household), whose seat he will occupy from this moment.

Mr. Muñoz-Grandes structured his speech in two large blocks.  In the first he spoke of the “need to activate a drowsy National Defence Consciousness”, while in the second he presented the “need to reaffirm military virtues”. According to him, among these the love for Spain and the respect of human dignity must be outstanding. 

At this point, as an example he quoted article 53 of the Royal Ordinances for the Armed Forces, which refer to command style:  “The serviceperson who exercises command will make himself or herself loved and respected by his or her subordinates; a blind eye must never be turned to offences by subordinates, he or she will inspire in them a love of service and precision in undertaking their obligations; he or she will be firm in command, gracious when possible and restrained in attitude and word, even when giving out punishment”.

Address in Reply 
Subsequently, permanent academy member Mr. Juan Velarde Fuertes was in charge of replying to the lieutenant general.  He did so with another address in which he described Mr. Muñóz-Grandes’ military career, from his joining the Military Academy, at the age of only 16, to his postings in the South Military Zone.  Finally, the president of the Royal Academy of Moral and Political Sciences, Mr. Marcelino Oreja Aguirre, presented Mr. Muñoz-Grandes the medal that accredits him as a member of this centenarian institution.