The mayor of Madrid, José Luis Martínez-Almeida, and the president of the Community of Madrid, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, have placed a laurel wreath next to the plaque that commemorates, in Puerta del Sol, the deceased and the more than 2,000 injured in the attacks of March 11, 2004 in Madrid, in homage to the security forces, emergency services, and all the citizens who came to their aid. They were accompanied by the presidents of the Victims of Terrorism Association, Maite Araluce; of the Victims of Terrorism Foundation, Juan Francisco Benito, and of the 11M Terrorism Affected Association, Monserrat Soler.
The mayor has recalled «the effort of solidarity and affection» of the entire city, «especially from the security and emergency services», with the victims of «the most brutal terrorist attack suffered by the city of Madrid» and has emphasized that «our obligation is to never weaken the memory of that brutality and that its victims always remain in our memory» through acts like today’s. «It is the best expression of remembrance and affection that we will always have towards the victims and their family and loved ones,» he emphasized.
The solemn event, organized by the Community of Madrid, began with the ringing of the city’s church bells for two minutes, accompanied by the Clock of the Royal House of Post Office. Next, the Orchestra and Choir of the Community of Madrid performed Samuel Barber’s Adagio for Strings, concluding the event with the Spanish national anthem.
