At last, young Algarvians forced to take part in National Defence Day (Dia da Defesa Nacional) can do so closer to home.
A new protocol signed by the Mayor of Portimão Isilda Gomes and the Ministry of National Defence means that Portuguese teenagers, who by law have to take part in the event, now no longer need to travel the long bus journey to Beja – which is where the day has been based since national service was abolished.
Secretary of State for National Defence Berta Cabral called the agreement a “pioneering move” as it effectively decentralises National Defence Day, while Álvaro Coelho, the military’s general-director of recruitment, highlighted the importance of the day saying “it is the only time most young people come into direct contact with the country’s armed forces”.
Coelho said the day is designed to make youngsters aware of the “importance and necessity” of national defence, adding that it is “everyone’s duty, no matter their social position, studies or profession”.
This year, young people from Portimão, Lagos, Lagoa, Monchique and Silves will be taking part in the day on various dates up until May 19, while the remaining municipalities will be ‘called up’ between November 4 and December 15.
Photo: Mayor Isilda Gomes (left) and Secretary of State for National Defence, Berta Cabral
Photo by: Arquivo CMP, Filipe da Palma
