Palabras de Su Alteza Real la Princesa de Asturias en el acto de entrega de la Medalla de Aragón

Link to the news article: https://www.casareal.es/ES/Actividade... President of Aragon, Minister of Defense, Speaker of the Aragonese Parliament, Mayor of Zaragoza, authorities, ladies and gentlemen. I extend a special greeting to all the people of Aragon who are supporting me on this very moving morning. I confess that when I arrived in Zaragoza on August 17th, I came with high expectations, partly because of everything my father had told me, although I also knew that some stages wouldn't be easy. I arrived at the General Military Academy full of enthusiasm and eager to learn and get to know both my classmates and those from the other graduating classes with whom I've shared this year. I can tell you that what I've experienced here far exceeds what I imagined ten months ago. In Zaragoza, in Aragon, I have felt at home, welcomed and supported in a land that will always be a part of my life. There are only five weeks left before I leave, before I receive my commission as a second lieutenant, and I already miss you all! I haven't just trained as a cadet; discovering the academic, intellectual, physical, and technical demands that this entails makes me appreciate the Spanish Army and our Armed Forces even more. Here I have met young people of my generation and lived alongside them. I assure you that what we experience while training at the Academy binds us together forever and helps us mature and grow thanks to camaraderie, the guidance of officers and instructors, and all the people at the Academy who encourage us to keep progressing and improving. Here we swore allegiance to the flag, here we overcame moments that required effort and great teamwork, here we have enjoyed and suffered together, and above all, here we have learned so much. In these past months, I have felt the respect and kindness of the people of Aragon, who are also with me this morning, so important to me. Their support has been and continues to be unwavering, both at the Aljafería Palace, the Plaza del Pilar, and the Cathedral of the Savior, historic places where tradition and symbolism resonate powerfully in the soul of the Aragonese people and also of the Crown. I am truly grateful for what I have experienced here during this time, for everything this city has given me. Today is a special day because the affection of so many people from this land is reflected in the honors you have bestowed upon me: the title of Adopted Daughter of Zaragoza, the Medal of the Cortes, and the Medal of Aragon. My father experienced something similar almost 40 years ago, and we have talked about it a great deal these past few days. Following in his footsteps means a great deal to me. Thank you, Zaragoza. Thank you, Aragon. Thank you to everyone who has made it possible for me to feel like just another Aragonese, one more Mañana, during this time. Thank you!