The Madrid Council of the Navy League of the United States took the initiative to organized in cooperation with CESEDEN the Spanish Centre of Studies for Defence, and hosted by the Spanish CC LAND MADRID a celebration for both anniversaries in its Headquarters last September 23rd . Welcomed by the CC LAND MADRID Commander, Lieutenant General Cayetano Miró Valls, by the President of the Madrid Council Eva García and by the Director of CESEDEN Adm. Sanchez-Barriga about 160 selected invitees participated in the event, honoured by the presence of the Spanish Chief of Defence, Gen. José Julio Rodriguez, and of the Commander of Joint Force Command Naples, Admiral Mark Fitzgerald. Ambassadors of various NATO Countries – namely: Canada; Croatia; The Czech Republic; Estonia; France; Greece; Hungary; Italy; Lithuania; Norway; Poland; Portugal; Romania; Slovakia; The Netherlands; and, Turkey – attended the celebration along with numerous Spanish national authorities.
The commemoration was comprised of two elements; an indoor event – a high-profile Seminar – and, a solemn, open air ceremony. The Seminar, entitled “2009: two Anniversaries for NATO”, was attended by distinguished guests and speakers. Two panels were presented. The first, moderated by Mr .Luis Cuesta, Secretary General of Defence Policy, Spanish MoD, was empanelled by three honourable guests: Mr. Jonathan Parish, of the Private Office of the NATO Secretary General; Mr. Eduardo Serra, former Spanish Defence Minister; and, Spanish LTG Juan Narro, former NATO HQ Madrid Commander. The second panel, moderated by Mr. Charles Powell, Deputy Director at R.I. Elcano for Research and Analysis presented three equally distinguished guests: U.S. ADM Mark Fitzgerald, JFC Naples Commander; Spanish LTG Eduardo Zamarripa, JFC Naples Chief of Staff; and, Spanish Air Force General F. Jose Garcia de la Vega, former AF Chief of Staff.
The panels presented two topics, The first one, entitled; “10 years: NATO footprint in Retamares – Madrid”, was an historical overview reviewing Spain’s integration into NATO and evaluating the impact of Madrid NATO HQ on the Spanish Armed Forces. The second panel’s presentation topic, entitled; “NATO, the longest-living military Alliance in history” primarily addressed NATO’s evolving role and strategy. The panels’ presentations aroused considerable interest and at the conclusion of each presentation was accompanied by numerous questions from the audience.
After a few celebratory remarks offered by Spanish Ambassador to NATO, Mr. Carlos Miranda, the Spanish Chief of Defence, Gen. José Julio Rodriguez closed the conference. Ms. Eva Garcia, President of the Madrid Council of the Navy League of the United States, then presented to ADM Fitzgerald and GEN Rodriguez the “U.S. Navy League Scroll of Honour” to commemorate their contributions to this august occasion. The “U.S. Navy League Scroll of Honour” distinction is the highest award that a U.S. Navy League Chapter may present to an individual and each Council registers the names of their awardees with the Navy League National Headquarters in Washington DC.
At the adjournment of the seminar the invitees convened to the Parade Ground to witness the pageantry and solemnity of the open air ceremony.
The commemorative celebrations of the afternoon reached a momentous crescendo during an inspiring speech presented by Spanish CC LAND MADRID Commander, Lt Gen. Miró Valls, who emphasised the importance of NATO’s role in Security, Freedom and the Protection of Human Rights. Lt Gen. Valls speech concluded with the ceremonial raising of the 28 NATO National flags and a rendition of the Spanish National Anthem; - a solemn act, honoured and performed by a Platoon of the Spanish “Regimiento Inmemorial del Rey”, one of the most prestigious military units within the Spanish Army. An uplifting military concert, impressively performed by the Regimiento Inmemorial del Rey , concluded the event at the patio and the distinguish guests and members of the Navy League were invited to a lunch.
