Queen Letizia presides over “World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day” event

Queen Letizia of Spain has presided over the “World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day” event.

The event took place at the University of Navarra Museum with the motto “Commitment.”

Upon arrival, the Queen was greeted by the President of the Regional Government of Navarre, María Chivite, and the Rector of the University of Navarre, María Iraburu. In the lobby, she was greeted by the Minister of Social Rights, Social Economy, and Employment of the Government of Navarre, María del Carmen Maeztu, and the Director General of the University of Navarre Museum, Jaime García del Barrio.

Following a group photo, Queen Letizia took her place in the auditorium. The ceremony was hosted by journalist Cristina Ochoa and opened with a traditional Basque dance (aurresku). There was also a storytelling performance, “The Story of Maria and the Pier Where Morning Begins,” by Laura Platas, followed by a video presentation about the award recipients.

Queen Letizia addressed the attendees and emphasised that “we will hear the words of the award recipients, words that are full of meaning and purpose, because they are backed by concrete actions. We will hear, for example, the words of Irene Vallejo, when she speaks about something the Red Cross knows a great deal about: caring. She will tell us—we will hear Irene Vallejo say—that destruction resounds, but care is discreet, silent, and moderate, and that is the good that sustains everything.”

The Queen presented the Spanish Red Cross Gold Medals to Julio Ancochea, head of the Pulmonology Service at La Princesa University Hospital (Madrid); to CESAL for the San Cristóbal Market project, accepted by Beatriz Díaz Azarola, president of CESAL; to the Maldita.es Foundation, accepted by Rocío Benavente, deputy director of the Maldita.es Foundation; to Plena Inclusión, accepted by Carmen Laucirica, its president; to Irene Vallejo, philologist and writer, accepted by Fernando Rey; and to VerificaRTVE, accepted by Blanca Bayo, head of VerificaRTVE.