On the 24th of January 2022, His Majesty H.M. King Felipe VI of Spain arrived in the island of Puerto Rico, an unincorporated territory of the United States of America, located in the Caribbean Sea. I took a moment to contemplate upon this visit, an almost surreal feeling. As though I was searching a database, typing keywords for topics related to Christopher Columbus, the Columbus missions, the history of Spanish explorations, America’s history and so on. But this time it felt as though a research article is coming to life!!! With the majestical presence of THE SPANISH KING IN THE USA!!! Puerto Rico a once held Spanish territory for four centuries; H.M. King Felipe VI is in Puerto Rico!
H.M. King Felipe VI is visiting Puerto Rico upon the occasion of the 500th anniversary of the islands founding. I was especially proud to hear of this visit from Spanish Royalty especially as, Puerto Rico is the territory that was founded by Christopher Columbus upon his second voyage to the Americas in 1493. At the time Puerto Rico was known as San Juan Bautista, as Columbus named after a Catholic Saint. Puerto Rico was also a territory that historically Spain did not want to give up because of Columbus’ founding, and as part of a natural claim to the territory from the Spanish conquests, explorations, missions. I am happy to learn the H.M. King Felipe IV was well-received.
Although Puerto Ricans are U.S. Citizens, Puerto Rico is an unincorporated territory of the USA, which places limits upon individuals, especially upon the right to vote. This also questions the recent filibuster and the U.S. senate. In particular as the Democrats are pushing for equal voting rights, with rhetoric such as protect the vote. I wondered upon equality of such in terms of the Island of Puerto Rico and also the undocumented born in America. To expand upon my thoughts further explorations are required.
The visit was frowned upon just hours earlier upon H.M. King Felipe IV’s landing, with the toppling of a Juan Ponce de Leon statue. Ponce was a Spanish explorer and conquistador that served as the Governor of Puerto Rico, and led the first European expeditions of Florida. I was disheartened to hear of this vandalism. Once again that depict internal tensions, from the historic Spanish missions and conquests. Whilst tensions do exist even upon mainland USA, I think that it is also a time of opportunity for the President in office, President Biden to welcome, show support and unity for the Spanish Royal Monarch visit from H.M. King Felipe IV to a U.S. territory.
It is with these words I would like to express my heartfelt thank you for your presence, and for taking the time to care about Puerto Rico. The eyes truly refreshed to see the flags of Spain, America and Puerto Rico together. Thank you. I wish that your visit will increase the morale of Puerto Ricans especially from the neglect that was suffered from Hurricane Maria of 2017. I appreciate the time that you have taken to mark upon a voyage, and would like to take this opportunity to say thank you. I appreciate and it is my honor that I am able to write / publish these words, giving life to history in the making. I wish you H. M. King Felipe VI, Queen Letizia Ortiz Rocasolano and Royal Princesses all the very best of heartfelt wishes. My heartfelt gratitude for your visit, from someone who wishes for the preservations, inclusion and much more of Spain in America, America’s Spanish heritage! Enjoy!!! Love from Shazia!!! 🙂
Related Blog Posts / Helpful Links:
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- CHAPTER 16 | SUMMARY!
- AMERICAS HERITAGE!!!
- The Souls Conquest.
- REFLECTION | THE FEAST OF THE EPIPHANY.
- National Park Service | San Juan
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- Twitter Handle @SpainInTheUSA
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Notes: These thoughts were originally hand-written on January 24th 2021. All views and opinions are my own. Thank you.
With Love & Kindness! 🙂
{HEART'S, FOREVER!} 
