The civil authoritiesmilitary and educational of Santiago carried out this Friday, February 27, the solemn acts for the 182nd anniversary of the National Independencewith an agenda that included the raising of the National Flag on the Government esplanade and a tedeum in the Santiago Apostle Cathedral.
At 8:00 in the morning started the ceremony with lifting of the tricolor flag, followed by the words of the regional director of Education, Pedro Pablo Marte; Mayor Ulises Rodríguez; the provincial governor Rosa Santos; and the historian Robert Espinal.
Later, at 8:45 in the morningthe traditional tedeum in the Santiago Apostle Cathedral.
Remember history
During his speech, the historian Robert Espinal addressed the antecedents and consequences of February 27, 1844when remembering the founding of the secret society The Trinitarian on July 16, 1838 by Juan Pablo Duarte and his followers, who promoted the idea of separating the eastern part of the island from the Haitian government established since February 9, 1822.
Espinal highlighted the writing and publication of the document, “People’s demonstration of the eastern part of the island of Santo Domingo on the causes of its separation from the western part”, dated January 16, 1844, written by the lawyers Tomas Bobadilla Briones and Francisco del Rosario Sánchez. He pointed out that this text set out the political and legal reasons that supported the proclamation of independence.
He also recalled that the April 19, 1844the Central Government Board formally declared the war on the Haitian statea decision that, he stated, gave legal basis to a conflict that lasted 12 years.
He mentioned figures like Fernando ValerioAntonio Duvergé and José María Imbert, as well as the role of women as Juana Saltitopa, Ana Apolinaria Pérez de Franco —who embroidered the flag raised on March 6, 1844 at the San Luis Fortress— and María Trinidad Sánchez.
The historian stressed that the history should not be used to promote confrontations in the present and recalled the signing of the Peace treatyCommerce and Navigation 1874 between both States, while calling to strengthen education and work as pillars of national development.
For her part, Governor Rosa Santos highlighted the decisive role of Santiago in the consolidation of independence, citing:
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The Battle of March 30, 1844
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The Battle of Santiago on September 6 during the Restoration War, begun with the Grito de Capotillo.
Santos stated that love the country involves assuming everyday responsibilitiesact with honesty and contribute to the good use of public resources.
He pointed out that the progress of the country depends on collective commitment of citizens, authorities and productive sectors.
The activities concluded with a call to render honor to heroes and heroines of the National Independence and strengthen the civic values in the new generations.
