On 12th October, the Civil Guard celebrated the feast day of its patron saint, the Virgen del Pilar, which also coincided with Spain’s National Day, known as Hispanic Day. A liturgy, a floral tribute and the subsequent presentation of decorations to officers distinguished for their service marked this moving occasion, which, for the first time, was held in the gardens of La Muralla in Mijas Pueblo, just outside the parish church of the Immaculate Conception. 

The ringing of bells heralded the procession of the image of the Virgen del Pilar, patron saint of the Civil Guard since 1913. The Mass, led by the parish priest Hermán Marcel Lunar, served as a tribute to all the officers who, for decades, have ensured the safety of citizens. A floral tribute was also dedicated to them, as were each of the performances by the Mijas Music Band, not forgetting the traditional laurel wreath for those who fell while serving Spain.

 

“Times have changed, as have the means, the threat and the society we serve. We have evolved and continue to do so every day, but there are principles that cannot change, because they are precisely what give meaning to our existence”, said José Alberto Reyes, Lieutenant Commander of the Civil Guard’s Main Station in Mijas, in his address. He also stated that the Civil Guard “is synonymous with professionalism and commitment and, throughout its 182 years of continuous service, has always maintained the same spirit of duty”. Reyes also paid tribute to “our predecessors, our families and loved ones, and all those who stand by us and recognise that, beyond the uniform, there is also the person”.

Sunday 12th October was a day of pride for the officers, their families and the authorities present, who highlighted the important role played by this force. “They look after us wherever there is a problem, be it a flood, a disaster or simply someone who needs help on the road. The Civil Guard is always there”, said the PP spokesperson at Mijas Town Hall, Mario Bravo. For his part, the deputy mayor and councillor for Security, Juan Carlos Cuevas Dawson (Vox), emphasised that “this is a day on which we must remember all the sacrifices the Civil Guard makes for us, as well as their families, who have to endure those losses and that sacrifice”. The spokesperson for Por Mi Pueblo at the Town Hall, Juan Carlos Maldonado, said that the day should also serve as an opportunity for us all to reflect, to foster unity, consensus and harmony and, above all, to continue fighting for our constitutional values”. 

For his part, the Socialist councillor Josele González said he was “well aware of the willingness, diligence and dedication of the Civil Guard officers, who always put the general interests of our municipality before their own personal interests”. Furthermore, councillor Mariló Olmedo (Cs), emphasised that “today is a day to reflect on the great country we have, to feel proud of being Spanish and of living where we do”.

Representatives from the Mijas Local Police were also in attendance. Inspector Juan Antonio González Guillén explained that “the police and the Civil Guard work together on an almost daily basis, each within their own remit, so it is also very important for us to be here today”. Finally, the parish priest of Mijas, Hermán Marcel Lunar, concluded by saying that “this is a day that fills us with joy, happiness and brotherhood, because the whole of Spanish America is united under the protection of our mother, the Virgen del Pilar, who welcomes us”.

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