FUNDACIÓN VÍCTIMAS DEL TERRORISMO 96 - ENGLISH

63 VITEPAZ ASSOCIATION O n 25 June, the Royal Post House hosted the ceremony of Remem- brance and Recognition for Vic- tims of Terrorism and the presentation of Vitepaz Medals, Crosses and Grand Cros- ses of Loyalty, honours we have awarded annually since 2018 through the Vitepaz Awards. This year, the event took place in the Community of Madrid, at the head- quarters of the Ministry of the Presiden- cy, Justice and Local Administration. These distinctions publicly recognise people and institutions whose work and dedication embody closeness, support, service and loyalty to victims of terrorism and their families, the values for which the Association grants these honours. This year, the Cross of Loyalty to Victims of Terrorism was awarded to National Police officers José Luis Usero García and Miguel Ángel Herrera Vélez , and to Officer José Damián Rodrigo Sánchez , recognising their vocation for policing, honesty, commitment, professional ho- nour, discipline and solidarity with all citizens, particularly victims of terrorism. The same Cross of Loyalty was awarded to Civil Guard officers Eduardo Pera- les Pérez and Domingo Jesús Medina León , and to Corporal First Class José Manuel Sarria Castellanos . All embody Article 6 of the Civil Guard Handbook, written by the force’s founder, the Duke of Ahumada, setting out the principles that should guide officers: He shall always strive to be a welcome sign of hope for those in distress, so that at his appearance, anyone who believed himself surrounded by murderers sees himself free of them; anyone whose home was engulfed in flames considers the fire extinguished; anyone who sees his child swept away by a current believes the child saved; and, finally, he must always safe- guard everyone’s property and safety.” The Grand Cross of Loyalty to Victims of Terrorism was awarded to Francisco Javier López Ruiz, a retired Civil Guard officer and victim of a terrorist attack, Vice President of the Association of State Secu- VITEPAZ AWARDS 2026 “The Civil Guard officer should be feared only by wrongdoers, and be fearsome only to enemies of order” ` Our President with all the award winners at the ceremony. ` Presentation of the Grand Cross to Francisco Javier López Ruiz. ASSOCIATIONS AND FOUNDATIONS