City Manager Receives King of Spain Award

How cool is that? The St. Augustine Record newspaper buried on page 6. Why?

Spain honors city manager
Posted: September 9, 2016 - 11:57pm | Updated: September 10, 2016 - 7:23am
By THE RECORD


Thanks to King Felipe VI, Spain chose City Manager John Regan for an award in honor of his work on the cultural relationship between the U.S. and Spain and his work on the 450th anniversary of St. Augustine’s founding, according to the city.

King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia visited St. Augustine in September 2015 when the U.S.-Spain Council annual forum was held. Before the royal visit, the city hosted a multi-day festival for the 450th anniversary.

Creis read an official document in Spanish and described the award before pinning the medal on Regan.

“You are a great and true friend of Spain,” Creis said.

The Order was created in 1815, according to the city.

“This recognition is probably one of the most important recognitions that a foreigner, not being a Spaniard, can receive,” Creis said later.

Regan, with the medal on his suit, spoke about the 450th and its influence.

“We’re all a part of this award,” he said. “What we do is a community effort.”

The people in the crowded lobby included his family, public officials, re-enactors and residents.

“Certainly the party was the culmination, and, perhaps, maybe the best part of the 450th was that we just all came back together as friends and neighbors and we all renewed our friendships, found new friendships and great things are happening as a result,” Regan said.

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jillardheldsmith 09/10/16 - 08:08 am 11Awkward
I sure hope the King of Spain doesn't notice that his award was announced on page 6 of the local paper.