The flag of the Valencian Community will be preserved as a reminder of the victims and their families, and in recognition of the efforts of all those who helped the affected municipalities. The senyera, framed for its conservation, will be displayed at the Casino de la Plaza del Pueblo, alongside the Gold Insignia that the city awarded to the people of Paterna for their response during the COVID-19 pandemic. Both distinctions represent the citizenry's capacity to unite in difficult times.
Mayor Juan Antonio Sagredo highlighted that the flag "holds the pain of our land, but also the strength and solidarity of a people who united to help." He emphasized that preserving it "is to keep the memory of the victims alive, to accompany their families, and to recognize all those who lent a hand when it was most needed."
Sagredo also valued the response of Paterna's residents, stating that "the people of Paterna have shown that they know how to unite and respond with bravery and generosity in the most difficult moments." He added that the conservation of this symbol "also reminds us of our neighbors' commitment to those who need it most."
The senyera was taken to the Upper Chamber on November 13, 2024, fifteen days after the DANA. In his speech, Sagredo conveyed the "cry and the mud" of the Valencians and called for unity, humanity, and common sense to assist those affected and advance in the reconstruction. He asked for aid to be kept separate from partisan disputes and for affected municipalities not to be forgotten, highlighting the response of volunteers, especially young people.
On the occasion of the second anniversary, the Paterna City Council calls on the public to observe five minutes of silence at the town hall entrance at 7:45 PM, in homage to those who died and as a show of support for the families and affected municipalities. "Two years later, we remain by the side of the victims and their families. Remembering what happened is also reaffirming our commitment to accompany them and keep alive the spirit of solidarity that united the entire Valencian people," the Mayor stated.
Furthermore, the City Council has joined the official mourning decreed by the Spanish Government for the victims of the train accident that occurred yesterday in Urda, province of Toledo. Flags are flying at half-mast and a minute of silence was observed, expressing condolences to the families and support for the injured. As a sign of respect, all municipal activities planned during the mourning period have been postponed.
