Juan Rodríguez Garcíaknown as Juancito Rodríguezis an unknown name in the anti-Trujillo narrative, but his history is marked by the sacrifice and love of country.
This mocanowhich became one of the richest men In his time, he lost all his fortune facing the dictatorship of Rafael Leónidas Trujillo in defense of democracy.
Sixty-five years after his death, his legacy has been recognized by the president Luis Abinaderwho through decree 288-25 declared him a National Hero and ordered that his remains be transferred to the Pantheon of the Homelandalong with the other national heroes.
Relatives highlight their legacy and courage
“Juancito was one of the richest men of the country at the time. “He sold and sacrificed all his fortune, all his comfort for the country,” recalled the former deputy José Horacio Rodríguezgreat-grandson of the honoree.
“Anyone would say: what need did this man have to take that lawsuit on himself and have Trujillo as an enemy? That is the example that there are patriots who do not seek personal benefits, but the common good“said Rodríguez, after completing the act of transferring the remains, which took place in the National Palace.
He added: “Therefore, today the President Abinader it honor: because your sacrifice and detachment are the basis for building the dreamed Dominican Republic, for which he and so many others gave their lives.
For Virginia Antares Rodríguezfamily member, this recognition It is more than a tribute.
“This is a historic act of justicenot only for the Rodríguez family, but for the entire Dominican people. Juancito was not only a great businessman and rancher, but a man who decided to risk everything for freedom of your country. That democracy for which she fought remains fragile and, in many ways, still pending,” said the former candidate for the presidency of the Republic for the Democratic Option.
Porfirio Rodríguezanother of his descendants, stated that the president of the republic has made a exaltation to his memory.
“We feel deeply grateful to the President Abinader for arranging the transfer of his remains to the National Pantheon. Juancito died in 1960, and in 1979 the president Antonio Guzman ordered to bring his remains from Venezuela. Today, 65 years later, it finally reaches the altar of the homelandwhere it belongs.”
Porfirio also clarified that his ancestor did not die in Havana, but in Barquisimeto, Venezuelaand that his decision to face Trujillo It was not for personal interests.
“Some say that Trujillo He took land or livestock from him, but that was not the case. Trujillo He was surprised when he found out that Juancito was buying weapons abroad. He joined the fight because he couldn’t bear to see how the young people sacrificed while the well-to-do men remained silent. “It was an unprecedented gesture: a millionaire who gave up everything to free his people,” he concluded.
His remains rest in the National Pantheon
This Saturday, the remains of Juancito Rodríguez were transferred to National Pantheonwhere they rest alongside other heroes of the Republic.
The ashes arrived after the solemn ceremony held at the National Palaceheaded by the president Luis Abinader.
- Upon arrival at the Pantheon, the corresponding military honors were again rendered, in the midst of a emotional tribute.
The guard of honor waiting at the door was led by the Minister of Culture, Roberto Angel Salcedo; the Minister of Women, Mayra Jiménez; and the president of the Permanent Commission of National Ephemerides, Juan Pablo Uribe.
