Vila Viçosa received on Saturday, September 12, the 2nd Paratroopers Meeting – Green Berets, an initiative that brought together former paratroopers from different generations with the aim of preserving memory and strengthening camaraderie among those who served the country. The participants gathered at 9:00 AM at the Vila Viçosa cemetery, where a tribute was held to all paratroopers and former comrades who have passed away.
This year's edition featured the participation of 34 paratroopers, a number higher than previously recorded, with particular emphasis on participants from the marble region. Carlos Buinho, a member of the organization, stated that this is a meeting of different generations in memory of all who fought for the country, highlighting the importance of bringing together veterans and new-generation paratroopers around a common memory.
One of the most emotional moments of the morning was the tribute to Hélder Rosado, a paratrooper native to or connected to the region, who passed away prematurely in November last year. Carlos Lopes, also involved in the organization, highlighted the strong spirit of unity that characterizes the paratrooper community, stating that the departure of one marks all the others.
The organization intends to continue the meeting and grow the initiative in future editions, which may include balloon rides and parachute jumps. The mayor of Vila Viçosa, Inácio Esperança, expressed support for holding parachute jumps, highlighting the strong historical connection between the local population and the paratroopers, and noting that many departed from Vila Viçosa to various barracks, with the paratroopers always having a strong presence in that town.
