The Military University Institute (IUM) marked its 10th anniversary in a unique and deeply symbolic way on Monday, 28 October 2025. Instead of the traditional military ceremony, the occasion was entirely dedicated to one individual whose story is inseparable from the life of the Institution itself: Mr. Luís Patrício, the IUM’s gardener for the past 49 years — a true example of humility, dedication and sense of duty.

Born on 18 May 1952, Mr Patrício joined the Armed Forces at the age of 20. Throughout his military career, he held several roles — from driver to rifleman in the Army — but it was as a gardener, from 1976 onwards, that he found his true vocation. Since then, he has never left the military compound in Pedrouços, becoming a constant presence and a point of reference for generations of service members. Come rain or shine, on weekdays or weekends, Mr Patrício tends to the vast gardens of the IUM with the same care, passion and pride that he has shown since his very first day.

The ceremony, presided over by the Chief of the Defence Staff (CHOD), was deeply emotional and attended by the entire IUM garrison, gathered to celebrate not only the Institute’s tenth anniversary but, above all, a lifetime of service. On this occasion, Mr Patrício was awarded the Saint George Cross Medal and received a public commendation praising his “extraordinary commitment, dedication and perseverance,” as well as his “spirit of service” and the “rigour and exemplary diligence” with which he has always performed his duties.

One of the most symbolic moments of the event was the unveiling of a commemorative plaque in the Institute’s emblematic Jardim da Fonte, which will henceforth bear the name “Jardim Luís Patrício”, perpetuating the memory and example of the man who has lovingly cared for the IUM’s green spaces for nearly half a century. The gesture, met with visible emotion, was a collective tribute from several generations of military personnel who have had the privilege of working alongside and learning from him.

During the ceremony, the CHOD emphasised the importance of recognising all those who serve the military institution:

“Here, everyone matters — from the general to the civilian. We all count, even when the work may sometimes go unseen, it remains equally important.”
“Mr Patrício is an example of humility and lifelong dedication to the Military Institution,” he added. “I noticed the vibrant applause from everyone present — a sincere gesture of recognition and admiration.”

More than an individual tribute, this celebration was an expression of the sense of community and gratitude that defines the IUM. In honouring Mr Luís Patrício, the Institute also celebrated the values of loyalty, humility and service — the enduring pillars that unite military and civilian personnel and continue to inspire the mission of the Military University Institute.