KING Felipe VI presided his first Armed Forces Day as reigning Monarch on Saturday, leading up a sombre half-hour march and demonstration in the centre of Madrid.
Troops in uniform converged on the Plaza de la Lealtad, where King Felipe and Queen Letizia placed a wreath in memory of all those who lost their lives serving their country in the forces.
The air force plane, the Patrulla Águila, flew above the crowds leaving a vapour trail in the colours of the Spanish flag.
Ministers for defence and the interior, Pedro Morenés and Jorge Fernández Díaz respectively, acting mayoress of Madrid Ana Botella, and the King and Queen stood at the front of the crowd for the national anthem.
King Felipe wore his General Captain uniform since, as reigning Monarch, he is automatically the highest-ranking member of Spain's Armed Forces.
Commemorative events to mark Armed Forces day started on Saturday and will continue all week with 274 acts throughout all 17 regions, three fewer than last year, at a total cost of a very thrifty €140,000.
These events include sporting competitions, music concerts, exhibitions, military demonstrations, air-base open days, guided tours of Naval ships, and parades.
Some of these will actually make money rather than costing the State, since many are for charity and will raise funds for those injured in combat.
