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Villafranca del Campo pays tribute to two air and sea heroes
The town of Villafranca del Campo in Teruel has paid a heartfelt tribute to two of its illustrious sons, Air Force Captain Gonzalo Gracia Ramos and Navy Lieutenant Ángel Marco Hernández, both of whom died in the line of duty in 1984 and 1998, respectively.
Remembrance and recognition of their dedication
The commemorative acts, organized by the Villafranca City Council with the support of the Subdelegation of Defense of Teruel, the Air and Space Army, and the Spanish Navy, brought together authorities, family members, comrades-in-arms and neighbors in a day of deep respect and emotion.
The ceremony began with a baturra mass in the Parish Church, followed by institutional and family speeches. Afterwards, a monument in memory of both officers was inaugurated, and two plaques were unveiled with the names of the new streets dedicated to Captain Gracia and Lieutenant Marco.
Air and military tribute
One of the most emotional moments was when three AV-8B+ 'Harriers' from the ship "Juan Carlos I" made a low approach over the town. The aircraft on point, piloted by the Chief of the Ninth Squadron, broke vertically over the church tower, in a symbolic gesture that honored the comrades who "fly higher now".
This was followed by the traditional military tribute to the fallen, performed by an Honors Unit of the Marine Infantry Group of Madrid and the 12th Wing of the Air Force. The ceremony concluded with a concert of military music and a brotherhood dinner offered by the City Hall.
Villafranca del Campo now preserves, in addition to their indelible memory, a physical place that honors the memory of two men who offered their lives in the service of Spain.
