The Spring Tribute
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The Spring Tribute (Alexandrian: L'Hommage du Printemps; Martino: El Tributo de la Primavera; Wechua: Pawqar Mit'a Yupaychay) is the principal annual military ceremony of the Federal Forces of Nouvelle Alexandrie, held on National Unity Day (12.III) at Federation Park in Cárdenas. Established in 1739 AN, it serves as the military's annual display of loyalty to the Crown and constitutional order, featuring over 15,000 troops, 1,200 musicians, and 500 horses in what has become the largest ceremonial military gathering in the Federation. The name reflects both the timing of the original Spring Crisis of 1739 and the perpetual renewal of the military's commitment to democratic values.
History
The Spring Tribute originated directly from the historic military loyalty ceremony conducted on 5.III.1739 AN at Federation Park, when over 100,000 troops participated in a formal renewal of oaths to King Sinchi Roca II following the failed coup attempt. This spontaneous demonstration of military loyalty was formalized in the Spring Proclamation of 1739, which established 12.III as National Unity Day and mandated an annual military ceremony to commemorate the triumph of constitutional order.
The first official Spring Tribute was held on 12.III.1740 AN, with King Sinchi Roca II, Premier Juan Pablo Jimenez, and the full Council of State in attendance. While initially a solemn reaffirmation of military loyalty, the ceremony gradually incorporated more elaborate elements, including musical performances, precision drills, and aerial displays.
Organization
The Spring Tribute follows a precise ceremonial sequence developed under the guidance of the Federal Protocol Office and the Military Ethics and Constitutional Education Command, established during the Operation Clean Hands reforms following the Spring Crisis. The ceremony lasts approximately three hours and is divided into three major segments.
The Presentation of Colors
The ceremony begins at 09:00 with the arrival of the King, who is received with a 21-gun salute from artillery positioned along the eastern edge of Federation Park. The King is accompanied by the President of the Government and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Council.
Following the royal reception, the Colors (military flags) of all participating units are ceremonially marched onto the parade ground in a carefully choreographed procession. Each unit's Color Guard advances in sequence, presenting their standards before the royal reviewing stand. This procession features representatives from all five branches of the Federal Forces of Nouvelle Alexandrie:
- Grand Army of the Federation;
- Federal Navy;
- Federal Air Force;
- Federal Space Force;
- Federal Guards Service.
The Colors carried include historic battle standards dating back to the militaries of Alduria and the Wechua Nation, alongside newer regimental colors created after the formation of the Federation in 1685 AN. Special prominence is given to units that demonstrated notable loyalty during the Spring Crisis, including the II Combined Arms Corps, which played a decisive role in defeating the coup attempt.
The Presentation concludes with the massed military bands performing the National Anthem, The Alexandrian March, as the Colors are arranged in formation before the royal stand.
