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My greetings go to all those attending this ceremony and, particularly, the former combatants, to whom the Country owes so much.

Throughout our history there were many acts of dedication, altruism and courage of servicemen that, complying with their duties, exalted their capabilities in the service of Portugal.

They were heroes that shared with us their daily lives. Indeed, simple men capable of extraordinary deeds.

Servicemen,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Here, on this day, the Nation renders tribute to one of its best: Colonel Raul Miguel Socorro Fortes, a Soldier of Portugal whose calling was the career of arms, in which he became distinguished by the cult of the noblest ideals of service. An example of Value, Loyalty and Merit.

We do so in a military Parade, since this is the procedure comprised in the “military rules”, when those that stood out for heroic campaign deeds are decorated.

We do so, accompanying the feelings of pride and admirations of his family and friends; of the young students of the Military College and of the Military Academy, Schools who watched him grow up and trained him as a Man, a Citizen and as a Serviceman; of his Commando colleagues, especially those who fought alongside and became linked with him for life, with bonds forged in the hardiness of campaign, in the silence of loss and in the moments of joy.

Colonel Folques was born in the Algarve, in Vila Real de Santo António, who left secondary school when he was 13 to attend the 3rd year of Military College, remaining there until he joined the Academy where he completed, in 1961, the Course in Infantry.

He was one of the servicemen who originated and comprised the first “Commando” forces, elite Army units adapted to the nature and demands of the operational environment in Africa.

In his four commissions, three in Angola and one in Guinea Bissau, he proved himself as an exceptional Serviceman, a great example of courage, cold blood and serene energy under fire. A leader loved and admired by all.

Standing out in the duties he later performed are those of Commander of the Commando regiment, Lecturer in the Institute of Higher Military Studies and Chief of Staff of the Lisbon Military Government.

He was also a member of the Joint Committee of Supervision of the Mozambican Republic Peace Accords.

Decorated by extraordinary deeds in campaign, evincing huge physical courage and moral greatness, Colonel Folques is a good and true man, unspotted ethos and high prestige amongst his peers. He served Portugal with distinction, total renunciation and the simplicity of the great.

Servicemen,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

We manifest today our recognition to an Officer of exceptional standards whose example must be a source of inspiration for future generations, since our Nation was and shall always be determined by the will, the dedication and the courage of the Portuguese.

As President of the Republic, I am very pleased to join this tribute paid to whom, such as Colonel Raul Miguel Socorro Folques, guided his life by revering his Nation, honour and duty. It is this man and this serviceman that the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces distinguishes with the highest State decoration, the Torre e Espada Order of Value, Loyalty and Merit.