Mass Oath of Allegiance to the Flag in Avilés

Over 180 civilians pledge allegiance to the Flag (Photo:Light Infantry Brigade)

Tribute to those who have given their lives for Spain (Photo:Light Infantry Brigade)

The ceremony concluded with a parade (Photo:Light Infantry Brigade)

The plaza de España square in Avilés (Asturias) experienced a mass Oath of Allegiance to the Flag on 27th October:  183 civilians made a commitment with the defence of Spain before nearly 3,000 witnesses.  The ceremony was organized by the Avilés City Council in collaboration with 3rd Light Infantry Regiment "Príncipe", which belongs to 7th Light Infantry Brigade “Galicia".

The Regiment commander, Colonel Francisco Rosaleny, was accompanied by Mr. Francisco González Zapico, the Government delegate in Asturias, and Ms. Pilar Varela, the mayor of Avilés, among other civilian authorities.  The colonel, in his address, explained that the oath of allegiance to the Flag ‘is a commitment that obliges offering our work and efforts each day for the good of Spain and the Spanish people, as well as obliging us to be an example of virtues and transmitters of patriotic values; that we know how to instil into our relatives, friends and Spanish society the love of Spain and the respect for its symbols and institutions’.

The Flag was incorporated into the formation from the Council Building, where an honour company from 1st Battalion ‘San Quintín’, an Honour Squad, the 3rd Light Infantry Regiment War Band and the Operational Logistic Force Headquarters Band awaited.  The ceremony reached its height of great emotion with the tribute to those who have given their lives for Spain, participating in which were all the Regiment’s guidons and two soldiers dressed in period uniforms from 1900, who placed the wreath.  To conclude, the participating force paraded before the large group of people in attendance.