King Felipe commemorates 9/11

King Felipe of Spain has commemorated the 9/11 terror attacks in the United States at the Rota Naval Base.

The King was received by the Ambassador of the United States of America to Spain, Benjamin León; the Government Delegate in Andalusia, Pedro Fernández; the Mayor of Rota, José Javier Ruiz; the Admiral of the Fleet, José Enrique Delgado; the Minister of Culture, Historical Heritage and Sport of the Andalusian Regional Government, Patricia del Pozo; and several Spanish and American civil and military authorities.

The ceremony began with an Honour Guard and the playing of the national anthems of the United States and Spain. This was followed by a flyover with aircraft from the Spanish Navy and the US Navy.

King Felipe and the United States Ambassador to Spain placed ribbons on the wreaths carried by representatives of the United States Fire Department and Navy.

Afterwards, a commemorative reading was held, along with a religious invocation and speeches by the commander of U.S. Naval Activities in Spain and the US Ambassador to Spain. The ceremony ended with the Last Post, the ringing of bells and a blessing.

King Felipe previously attended a 9/11 commemorative event as Prince of Asturias on 16 September 2001.