Over last weekend British veterans in Spain gathered with pride and reverence to commemorate Armed Forces Day through heartfelt ceremonies, music, and moments of remembrance, blending time-honoured British tradition with warm Spanish hospitality. These events not only honoured military service but also strengthened the bonds of community, solidarity, and shared values.
A particularly moving service took place on Saturday at the Capilla de las Mil Palmeras, marking the first Armed Forces Day event organised by the Torrevieja Branch of the Royal Naval Association (RNATB), under the leadership of chairman Tony Jenkins. The event was made possible with the valuable support of local businesswoman Francisca Samper and the Pilar de la Horadada Ayuntamiento.
Among the distinguished guests was the Mayor of Pilar de la Horadada, José María Pérez Sánchez, a familiar and welcome presence at these veterans’ events. He was joined by Maria Del Mar Sáez Martínez, Councillor for Citizen Security, María Nieves Moreno, Councillor for Foreign Residents; Mariano Alvarez, Representative of the Local Police; and Antonio Lopez Bailon, Sub Lieutenant of the Guardia Civil in Torre de la Horadada.
Also at the ceremony were representatives of the PSOE party, including Rubén Ferrándiz Marcos, Almudena Quesada, and Greg Bryan, alongside leaders and Standard Bearers from several Veterans’ Associations, including the RNA, Submariners, and the Royal British Legion.
The service was led by Pastor Phil Molloy of Asambleas de Dios, who warmly welcomed the congregation in both English and Spanish. Her address acknowledged ongoing global conflicts as she honoured the sacrifices made by armed forces, police, and auxiliaries, past, present, and future.
The service began with the parade of military standards and the rousing hymn Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven, followed by readings titled Love in Action, first by Jean Heald in English, then by the mayor in Spanish.
Musical highlights included a deeply emotional rendition of Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah by Cindy Fitzpatrick and a haunting performance of Hector the Hero on bagpipes by Piper Colin Gordon. The Costa Blanca International Concert Band provided musical accompaniment throughout, lending richness and depth to the occasion.
Pastor Phil delivered a dual-language sermon that seamlessly combined spiritual reflection, gratitude, and remembrance. She closed with a prayer calling for healing, strength, and a collective commitment to peace.
The offering, designated for Armed Forces charities, was followed by Our Military, a poem written especially for the day by Pastor Phil and read by RAF veteran Walter Shatford. Then came a solemn moment as Ian Gibson of the Just Brass Band performed The Last Post, followed by Reveille—a musical transition from mourning to resilience, from silence to renewed purpose.
He was followed by former policemen, Piper Colin Gordon of the Torrevieja Pipes and Drums who performed Hector the Hero, its mournful tones rising softly through the air, evoking remembrance and quiet introspection.
Following the Nationals Anthems of Spain and UK, and led by the Standard Bearers, the congregation moved to the Garden of Remembrance. Piper Gordon provided a gentle musical backdrop as the Mayor, the Chief Inspector of the Local Police and the Lieutenant Commander of the Guardia Civil laid wreaths in silence, each one a token of respect, remembrance, and gratitude.
Councillors from Pilar de la Horadada then joined in the act by placing 3 marvellous bouquets of red and yellow roses. The act of laying the wreaths and the flowers was deeply symbolic, with bowed heads, hushed stillness, and quiet emotion reflecting the weight of shared memory.
The wreaths and garlands formed a poignant circle of tribute, a silent promise that the sacrifices of those who served will never be forgotten.
Following the service, almost 50 guests then retired to Pueblo Latino for a celebratory lunch. During the meal, Tony Jenkins expressed his heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in the day’s success. He spoke about the Royal Naval Association, which this year celebrates its 75th anniversary, having been founded in 1950 from the merger of several naval organisations including the Royal Naval Old Comrades Association.
Unlike its predecessor, which served primarily ex-ratings, the RNA was created as an inclusive association, embracing officers, ratings, WRNS, QARNNS, Reserves, and Royal Marines. Its mission: to unite the naval family under the ethos of “all of one company.”
In closing, Tony Jenkins proposed a toast: to 75 years of the RNA, to all who wear or have worn the Royal Navy uniform, and to the continuing legacy of service, solidarity, and remembrance for generations to come.
