US military celebrate their country's 250th anniversary with a flag-raising in Rota, Spain

On July 4, 1776, the United States sealed its founding act with the signing of its Declaration of Independence in the city of Philadelphia.

The US Navy shows its intention to remain at the Spanish naval station of Rota
A 'vibrant and beautiful' country: the praise of the United States Navy for Spain

This year, the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary as a nation, a venerable age for a country that has embraced the cause of freedom and democracy since its founding. This anniversary is being celebrated this year not only in the United States, but also at American military bases around the world. A celebration that features the "Old Glory," the national flag of the United States, as a special symbol of connection to the history and legacy of that great nation.

The Rota Naval Base in Spain is a special case for the United States military. This base, located in the province of Cádiz, in the south of the country, and which in addition to its docks also includes a major air base, is a highly sought-after destination among US military personnel due to its quality of life and pleasant climate.

Construction of this base began in 1955, as a result of the Madrid Pacts signed between Spain and the United States on September 23, 1953. US military operations in Rota began in 1958 and have continued uninterrupted ever since, despite political differences such as those unleashed in recent months which led to a veto by the Spanish government of Pedro Sánchez on the use of that base by US aircraft that participated in the attacks against the Islamist dictatorship of Iran.

The Law on Flags of Spain, approved in 1981, establishes in its Article 3.3: "The flag of Spain shall be the only one flown on the flagpoles of public military buildings and barracks, ships, aircraft and any other establishments of the Armed Forces and the State Security Forces." The Agreement on Cooperation for Defense between the Kingdom of Spain and the United States, approved in 1988 and renewed since then, established in its Article 16: "The bases Those bases listed in Annex 2 of this Agreement shall be under Spanish command. Only the Spanish flag and command insignia shall be flown at these bases."

The Spanish commander of the Rota Naval Base issues a special permit annually for US forces stationed there to fly their flag in celebration of Independence Day. Of course, US Navy ships based in Rota fly the "Old Glory" daily, as warships are subject to international maritime law, which grants them absolute sovereign immunity, meaning they are considered an extension of the territory of the flag state they fly.

The annual raising of the US flag in Rota is usually held before July 4th. This year the raising took place on Wednesday, July 1st. This afternoon, the NAVSTA Rota Facebook page, managed by U.S. Navy personnel at that Spanish naval base, posted these photos of the event, and did so by recalling Spain's support for the U.S. fight for independence: "Our shared naval story spans to the birth of the U.S. Navy 250 years ago and the invaluable Spanish support to our War for Independence."

From NAVSTA Rota they add: "What better way to celebrate America's 250th birthday and that legacy than by gathering #TeamRota service members from across the installation to take our annual group photo. NAVSTA Rota is the enduring sum of the more than eight thousand people that call it home; the variety of backgrounds, skills, and experiences they possess; and the lines of operation they enable, ensuring U.S. and Allied forces are ready to operate when called upon."

As we can see in the photos, members of the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force participated in this annual flag-raising ceremony. From Spain, I wish our allies in the United States a happy 250th anniversary of their independence. Many of us Spaniards appreciate the alliance between our countries and are grateful for the U.S. contribution to our country's defense with the missile defense shield that U.S. Navy destroyers have at that base.

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Photos: U.S. Navy / Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Drace Wilson.