Margarita Robles presents Grand Crosses of Military Merit in a solemn ceremony

The minister highlighted during the event the invincibility "in courage and bravery of our armies", in a parallel to the triumph of the Spanish National Football Team

Family photo of the laureates, together with the Minister of Defense, Margarita Robles

The Minister of Defense, Margarita Robles, presided over an emotional event yesterday at the Palacio de Buenavista, where a total of 19 high distinctions were awarded to members of the Armed Forces.

In this ceremony, eight Grand Crosses of Military Merit with a white insignia and eleven of the Royal and Military Order of San Hermenegildo, were awarded in recognition of the bravery and commitment of the honorees.

During her speech, Robles drew a parallel between the pride that Spain feels for the victory of its football team and the same pride that should be felt for the Armed Forces. “Just as we all celebrated yesterday’s triumph, we are also proud of our armies, which are unbeatable in courage and bravery,” the minister stated.

The Grand Cross of Merit with a white insignia is a distinction granted by the King at the proposal of the minister, rewarding actions of notable relevance to National Defense. For its part, the Royal and Military Order of San Hermenegildo rewards the constancy and impeccable conduct of officers and non-commissioned officers of the Army and the Civil Guard, emphasizing the importance of their service to the nation.