By Helena L’ acosta
A series of events marked the celebrations of Sailor’s Day in downtown Rio de Janeiro. On board the Multipurpose Aerodrome Ship Atlântico, the President of the Republic, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and the Minister of Defense, José Mucio Monteiro, attended the ceremony alluding to the date and the awarding of the Tamandaré Merit Medal. The event took place on Wednesday afternoon (13), at the Ilha das Cobras Naval Base, in the capital of Rio de Janeiro. In his speech, the Minister praised the work of the Sailors, Marines and Civil Servants who strive to build a Naval Force that is increasingly strong, supportive and committed to sovereignty.
“The military profession has its own peculiarities and, as far as I can see, it is very much about silent and often anonymous work. They are ‘body and soul’ sailors who subject themselves to the rigours of the sea, family time away from home and day-to-day duty, defending the country’s interests and honouring international commitments,” he emphasized. Moments before, a “Naval Review” of the ships and vessels of the Brazilian Navy was carried out by President Lula in Guanabara Bay.
In addition to the Minister of Defense and the Commander of the Navy, Fleet Admiral Marcos Sampaio Olsen, the ceremony was attended by representatives of the diplomatic corps of friendly nations, parliamentarians and ministers of state, among other civil and military authorities.
Moments before, a “Naval Review” of the ships and vessels of the Brazilian Navy was carried out by President Lula in Guanabara Bay.
Revista Naval – It is an act of deference by Navy ships to an authority. Following a naval tradition, the crews of the ships performed seven “cheers” to the President of the Republic, which consists of a form of salute. This traditional event helps publicize the part of the Naval Force that protects the riches of the Blue Amazon, as well as increasing the maritime mentality of Brazilian society.
December 13 – The date refers to the birth of the Patron of the Brazilian Navy, Admiral Joaquim Marques Lisboa, the Marquis of Tamandaré, who was born on December 13, 1807, and pays homage to the Sailors, men and women, who dedicate themselves daily to the service of the Homeland.
Defense ceremony – Also in the context of Sailor’s Day, the Ministry of Defense held an internal ceremony last Tuesday (12). Presided over by the Director of the Military Sports Department of the Secretariat for Personnel, Health, Sports and Social Projects, Marine Vice-Admiral Roberto Rossatto, the ceremony decorated and promoted Navy personnel who work in the department. In all, 20 military personnel were awarded three types of medals: Military, Naval Health Merit and Acanto Merit, as well as a promotion from First Sergeant to Petty Officer.