The Civil Guard commemorated their patron saint, the Virgen del Pilar, for the first time in the city center of Vitoria, instead of the usual location of their barracks in Sansomendi. This change in location reflects a sense of calm and democratic normality, 13 years after ETA announced the definitive end of terrorism. Recently, the barracks opened to the public for the first time on the institute’s 180th anniversary, and the Guardia Civil of Bizkaia invited citizens to witness displays of their different units in action. The celebration took place in Plaza de España, with the General Chief of the Civil Guard in the Basque Country and the Government Delegate presiding over the event.
The Government Delegate, Marisol Garmendia, expressed her satisfaction that the celebration could take place in Plaza de España, highlighting the sense of calm and democratic normality. She also praised the success of the public turnout for this event and other recent ones organized by the Civil Guard and National Police in Vitoria and Bilbao. Garmendia emphasized the importance of moving forward from the past, stating that they will not go back to the era of Franco’s dictatorship or the terror dictatorship of ETA, which resulted in the deaths of 161 Civil Guard officers in the Basque Country. She honored and thanked the officers who sacrificed their lives for peace and freedom in Euskadi.
Garmendia paid tribute to the fallen and injured officers of ETA with an emotional reminder and infinite gratitude, acknowledging the peace and freedom in Euskadi thanks to their sacrifices. She also sent warm regards to their families who faced silence or disdain from part of Basque society for many years. The audience responded with applause, causing Garmendia to pause her speech briefly. She praised the Civil Guard’s continued service to the community, highlighting their various important roles in ensuring public safety. Garmendia advocated for the cooperation of all security forces in combating crime, emphasizing the essential role of the Civil Guard in addressing cybercrime.
The General Chief of the Civil Guard in the Basque Country noted that currently, 13% of the force is comprised of women, a percentage that continues to grow each year with the younger generation’s drive. He highlighted various accomplishments in the region, such as drug seizures, recovery of stolen property, and crackdown on counterfeit goods. Notably, the operations against human trafficking led to the liberation of individuals, including women being sexually exploited. The celebration included a military parade without a traditional march, attended by political and institutional representatives, including the Mayor of Vitoria, Subdelegate of the Government in Alava, and the city’s bishop who offered a prayer for deceased officers.
In response to the celebration in Plaza de España, the platform Memoria Osoa, representing victims of state violence, conducted an event at the Artium Museum to demand respect for all victims and to prevent future glorification of torture perpetrators. They emphasized the need for measures to avoid repeating past injustices and highlighted the importance of recognizing and respecting all victims. This critique adds a layer of complexity to the commemorative event, underscoring the ongoing need for reconciliation and acknowledgment of historical wounds.
