As Spain commemorates the 20th anniversary of the fateful March 11, 2004, it pauses to remember one of the most painful and momentous events in its recent history.
Two decades ago, four trains in Madrid were rocked by explosions that took the lives of 192 people and injured thousands more. This act of indiscriminate terrorism left a deep scar on the social and political fabric of Spain, changing the course of our country's history in an unforeseen and lasting way.
M-11 was not only an attack on the lives and safety of innocent citizens, but also an attack on the fundamental values of democracy, freedom and peaceful coexistence. The immediate and unanimous response of Spanish society was one of grief, solidarity and unity in adversity. The show of support, the acts of heroism and the determination not to be intimidated by fear demonstrated the resilience of the Spanish people in the face of adversity.
Twenty years later, it is important to remember and honor the victims, as well as to reflect on the legacy of this tragic event. The collective memory of those dark days should serve as a reminder of the fragility of peace and the importance of solidarity and unity in times of crisis, something that should strengthen the social fabric that unites us as a society.
Correos issues a stamp with a simple and delicate design with which it intends to pay tribute, above all, to those who lost their lives, to those who survived and to their families, whose lives were irreversibly altered by terrorist violence.
May their memory, represented in that dandelion blurring through the air, inspire us to work together for a world where peace and justice prevail over hatred and violence.
May we never forget March 11, 2004, and may its memory help us build a better future for generations to come.
