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We pay tribute, on this day, to the Portuguese Marines. We do so in this laborious city of Barreiro, so much linked to the Navy and to the Discoveries, both in ship building and in the production of provisions for the supply of our fleets.

The Marines, with their remote origins in the “Naval Regiment of the Portuguese Crown”, are connected to important moments of our History. They are elite soldiers who, due to their bravery, courage and determination, distinguished themselves in the theatres of operations in Africa and that have rendered such relevant services to the Country. I especially salute the War veterans present here today.

Currently, the emphasis goes to the high standards of performance of our Marines in international operations for the maintenance of peace and humanitarian assistance in East Timor, Guinea Bissau, Mozambique, Congo People’s Republic and Afghanistan, equally underlining the professional and dauntless way in which they have taken part in the combat missions against piracy in the Indian Ocean.

They are highly trained soldiers, who cross and protect the sea and project its power on land, through surprise, impetus and bravery, opening paths and performing missions in any operational environment, wherever Portugal needs them.

Marines,

It is the spirit lived in the difficulties of those who has felt danger surrounding them, of those who witnessed their comrades suffer in body and soul the harshness of fighting, it is the pride of serving the Fatherland with a dignified posture, and so often heroic, that joins and brings you here today in such large numbers, for a sound companionship and sharing of emotions. As so aptly described in your motto, “Marine once, Marine for ever”.

It is this spirit that leads you to congregate in your Association, contaminating those near to you with affection for essential values, so alive in each one of you: the sense of duty, friendship, comradeship and solidarity.

The Association of Marines has accompanied with dedication the problems of its members. The union of efforts and aid for those who are suffering difficult times are fundamental. In life, as in combat, the Marine does not allow anyone to fall behind.

It is thus fair to address, on this occasion, a special word to the city of Barreiro, to the means with which it has welcomed and cherished its Marines, shown by a strong feeling of mutual presence of which all are so justly proud.

I wish to salute the joining of efforts between the Association of Marines and the Barreiro City Council, which allowed the creation of a lasting monument that expresses the recognition of the Marine as a pillar of courage, gallantry and respect for the values of the Fatherland.

Marines,

Keep up this esprit de corps; spread this culture of professionalism and capability of doing what is right. Without good examples there are no good followers, and we all have to share in the effort of building a stronger and more capable Portugal, both in the great and in the small undertakings of our day-to-day lives.

As we have just heard in the anthem of the association of Marines, “the Fatherland only belongs to those who can fight”.

The Portuguese are a perspicacious People, brave and owners of an ancestral knowledge that allows them, in situations of grievous crisis, to choose a safe path pointing towards stability and to guaranteeing their independence.

We are a People with a Fatherland that we love, filled with references, with values and with a capacity to fight and overcome the challenges that face us.

And this capacity is now put to test.
I am certain that, once again, we shall win.

Thank you very much.