Queen Sofia visited New York to attend the inauguration of a memorial plaque dedicated to Diego de Gardoque, the first Spanish ambassador to the United States. The Bilbao diplomat is considered a key figure in Spain’s support for American independence.
In 1785, de Gardoque developed The first stone St. Peter’s Church, the first Catholic parish in New York. The event, promoted by Iberdrola in collaboration with the Queen Sofia of Spain Institute (QSSI), celebrates the 240th anniversary of this important event, which coincides with its founding. Birth and death.
“A symbol of the enduring friendship between Spain and the United States.” This is how the CEO of Avangrid (the Iberdrola branch in the United States), José Antonio Miranda, defined Diego de Gardoque, who noted that the Spanish diplomat is “inspiration” To him and his comrades “for their vision, courage and spirit of cooperation.”
The event is part of the “Uncovering Memories” initiative launched by Iberdrola in the country, as well as QSSI’s America&Spain250, which seeks to commemorate the participation and contribution of Spain and Spaniards to the independence of the United States on the occasion of the 250th anniversary of the independence of the United States, which will be celebrated in 2026.
“We also want to remember all those who long ago contributed their donations to the building of the church, among them New Yorkers and Latinos of their time, the Mexican Bishop Lizana and King Carlos III,” said QSSI President Begonia Santos.
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