El Regimiento de Infantería “Soria” 9, introspección sobre el más antiguo y su derecho a ser “Benemérito” reconocido

Abstract

The “Soria” 9 Infantry Regiment, based on the island of Fuerteventura, is considered as the oldest Infantry unit in the West, with a long record in various scenarios and continents, both in combat and in the service of peace. Recently, there has been talk of granting it the title of “Benemérito de la Patria,” and including it on its coat of arms. This is an almost forgotten distinction, dating back to the early 19th century, recognising particularly meritorious service to the Homeland. It would join the “Tenerife” 49, making the Canary Islands one of the autonomous communities with the most recipients of this distinction. The reasons for this recognition were not thoroughly studied, other than referring to the aforementioned record. The present article has researched and delved into these reasons, examining the legitimacy of the award. The issue is not without complexities, as it is an almost extinct distinction.