Civil Guard celebrates patron´s day with parade in Madrid and Sevilla

THE Civil Guard is celebrating today in honour of their patron the Virgin del Pilar.

Acting Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska will preside over the commemorative acts at 1pm today in Madrid.

He will be accompanied by the Government delegate in Madrid, María Paz García-Vera; the operative deputy director, Lieutenant General Laurentino Ceña; and the brigadier general of the Madrid Zone, José A. Berrocal, among other civil and military authorities.

During the event, medals will be presented to personnel of the corps and a military and a parade will be held in which members of different Civil Guard specialties will participate.

In Sevilla the Secretary of State for Security, Ana Botella, will lead the ceremony at noon.

She will be joined by General Director of the Civil Guard, Felix Azón; and the Lieutenant General of the Operations Command, Fernando Santafé, among other civil and military authorities

Similar ceremonies will be taking place in cities throughout Spain.