SANTO DOMINGO – In a significant national observance, the Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Defense conducted a formal ceremony commemorating the 210th birth anniversary of founding father Ramón Matías Mella as part of Armed Forces Day celebrations. The event served to recognize both active-duty and retired military personnel alongside distinguished civilians for their exceptional service and contributions to national institutional development.
Held at the historic Independence Hall, the ceremony was presided over by Defense Minister Carlos Antonio Fernández Onofre, who was joined by the nation’s top military brass and key government figures. The Ministry conferred its prestigious Recognition of Merit Medal across four distinct categories, celebrating core values including patriotism, loyalty, integrity, and dedication to duty. Additionally, the Special Recognition Medal was awarded to honorees from diverse sectors such as academia, legal practice, healthcare, sports, and public administration.
Minister Fernández Onofre utilized his keynote address to reaffirm the Armed Forces’ unwavering commitment to safeguarding national sovereignty, independence, and public security. He detailed ongoing initiatives focused on professional military education, strategic readiness training, and technological modernization designed to address contemporary security challenges. Prominent recipients of honors included Public Works Minister Eduardo Estrella, Industry and Commerce Minister Eduardo Sanz Lovatón, Housing Minister Víctor Bisonó, Interior and Police Minister Faride Raful, and Attorney General Yeni Berenice Reynoso.
The commemorative activities extended beyond the awards ceremony to include a formal flag-raising ritual, full military honors, a solemn mass, and a floral tribute at the statues of the nation’s Founding Fathers located at Defense Ministry headquarters. These traditional elements underscored the enduring patriotic mission that defines the Dominican Armed Forces.