National
Spanish King and Queen preside parade for the Day of the Armed Forces in Zaragoza
By h.b.
Jun 2, 2008 - 7:34 AM

King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia, accompanied by the Prince and Princess of Asturias, yesterday presided over the military parade in Zaragoza on the occasion of the Day of the Armed Forces in Spain.

The Spanish Defence Minister, Carme Chacón, remains on maternity leave, and her official place was taken by the Interior Minister, Alfredo Pérez Rubalcaba who welcomed the Royal party and watched the parade, which lasted just over an hour, with them.

1,700 soldiers, 90 vehicles and 47 planes took part in the parade including combat F-18 bombers together with a Eurofighter, Mirage F1 and F5’s, and Colibri, Cougar and Tigre helicopters.

Zaragzona was chosen for the military parade this year as the city prepares to host the new EXPO on water and sustainable development, and on the 200th anniversary of the War of Independence.
aragThe King and Queen gave a gala banquet to civil and military authorities in the Military Academy in the city last night.