Ref: Spanish Soldiers in Message #29
Folks,
They are Spanish Legionaries. Real hard-core ultra-conservative Catholic military force. In the past they were the "Spanish Foreign Legion" (very few non-Spanish though) but after Franco died and democracy returned they were limited recruitment to Spanish citizens -- ie although that is changing to where those who are members of nations whose nations use to be part of the Spanish empire can join (which they call the "3rds") and there is some talk of allowing any person whose citizenship is EU can join.
Their Motto is -- serious! -- "Long Live Death" and their anthem song is "The Bridegroom/Boyfriend of Death". The "Bridegroom/Boyfriend" term depends on who in Spain is doing the translation from Spanish to English -- ie conservatives in Spain say "Bridegroom" and the liberals say "Boyfriend". It is sort of an pride/insult item between the two groups in Spain.
Finally, if you want to see a major yearly ceremony of the SL that explains all the above see the video at the link below. Make sure you watch till at least around 5:30 minutes. You will understand what I mean by "ultra-conservative". They are singing the song I referred to.
Jack E. Hammond
http://es.youtube.com/watch?v=NPn2Hs7TtDc
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