Spain and US honour Axarquia-born hero

AMERICAN sailors joined Spanish Legionnaires to pay tribute to a hero of the American War of Independence.
Soldier and politician Bernardo de Galvez, born in the Axarquia town of Macharaviaya in 1746, was honoured last Friday (May 8) in a symbolic event to recognise his decisive role in the American War of Independence.
The event, which took place at Malaga Port, had the presence of the Spanish legionnaires who paraded to mark the De Galvez’s participation in the Siege of Pensacola which culminated in Spanish soldiers under his command gaining complete control over the then British West Florida on May 8, 1781.
Galvez gained honorary US citizenship in December of 2014, the highest distinction bestowed on foreigners. Only seven people hold this title, amongst whom are Mother Teresa and Winston Churchill.
A special unit of US soldiers, who arrived in Malaga on board the destroyer McFaul, also participated in the parade.
With the Spanish and US anthems performed by army band BRILEG, the two countries’ flags were hoisted.
“Today, we recognise Bernardo de Galvez’s loyalty and service to the North-American people, against British oppression,” said Miguel Angel Galvez, President of the Cultural Association Bernardo de Galvez.
De Galvez was born in 1746 in Macharaviaya, and played a decisive role in the American War of Independence. He was appointed governor of Louisiana in 1776 and marched with George Washington in the after war victory parade around the streets of Philadelphia.