Austerity has bitten into Spanish military life as the country downplayed its celebration of its Armed Forces Day on Saturday without much fanfare due to spending cuts.

The cuts imposed as a result of the economic crisis means that Saturday's was a downbeat affair with no traditional military parade, nor the re-enactments of a battle or maneuvers which usually mark the occasion.

The budget for the day had been slashed from 200,000 euros (260,000 U.S. dollars) last year, to just 90,000 euros this year, about 3 percent of that of 2008 when the current economic crisis began.

Saturday's solemn and low-key event was held in the Plaza de la Libertad in Madrid. King Juan Carlos of Spain and his son, Prince Felipe de Bourbon, make their first official appearance together since the King underwent a back operation at the start of March.

Queen Sofia, as well as Minister of Defense Pedro Morenes and Minister for the Interior Jorge Fernandez Diaz and Mayor of Madrid Ana Botella, also attended the event.

The King gave a brief speech in which he expressed his "recognition, gratitude and affection" to the armed forces.

"All of the Spanish feel very proud of you," he said to the assembled military forces, who had greeted his arrival with applause and shout of "Viva el Rey," (Long live the King).

Speaking to Spanish television, Defense Minister Pedro Morenes insisted that spending cuts are not affecting the country's capacity to defend itself.

"Spain's security is guaranteed," he said, adding that "austerity is a military virtue above all others."

The minister also said that the military would be taking extra precautions in the light of the murder of a British soldier by an extremist in London a week ago and the recent stabbing of a French solider in Paris. Endit

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