Three lieutenant colonels of the National Army and a lieutenant colonel of the Navy Infantry promoted this Thursday to colonels for their commitment, courage and bravery in the exercise of their mission.
In a ceremony held at the Military School of Cadets, José María Córdova, preceded by the Minister of Defense, Diego Molano, accompanied by the Military High Command, were promoted three lieutenant colonels of the National Army and a lieutenant colonel of the Navy Infantry, for their commitment, courage and bravery, in the exercise of their mission.
“This is an extraordinary opportunity to send from here a voice of unconditional support, of strength, to each of the soldiers of Colombia who honor the uniform wherever they are providing their services to the homeland," said Thursday the Defense Minister during his speech at such an important ceremony.
At the event, a minute of silence was held in honor of the officers, non-commissioned officers and members of the Military Forces who fell in the line of duty.
The minister, Diego Molano, after distributing the badges to the three lieutenant colonels of the National Army and one of the Navy Infantry, spoke on the importance of the work of the members of the Military Forces, in particular, on the work of officers, soldiers and police officers who have toured the country, for the rights and safety of all citizens.
“The first thing is to highlight the importance of the harmonious collaboration of our Military and Police Forces to have unblocked Colombia,” said the Minister, who emphatically said that "we accompany and guarantee the right to peaceful demonstration, but we are decisive against the violent and in the defense of the rights of those who have not demonstrated.”
In the same way, the head of the ministry of National Defense spoke of drug trafficking as one of the greatest battles that the Military Forces have had to fight.
"Narcocriminal organizations are the greatest threat to our future generations, but above all to the institutional stability of Colombia," he said.
He added that "thanks to the selfless work of Colombian soldiers and police officers, the reduction of almost 17 percent of hectares of illicit plantations has been achieved.”
On the other hand, Minister Diego Molano spoke about the firm commitment to the defense of human rights and said that "we have to become rigorous monitors of the respect for human rights, the Constitution and the law, which is a full line of conduct”.
The head of the Ministry of Defense congratulated and highlighted the operation of the promoted officers, recognizing their experience of service to the homeland without a pause, as well as recognizing the commitment of each of the members of the Military Forces who are an example for society with their discipline and dedication.
Source: Defence Sector Communications Office – Ministry of National Defence