Uruguayan Independence Day in New York City
For many Uruguayans living in the New York area, the 25th August is not only an important day to remember their origins, but also a day to meet old and new friends, alike.
This year's ceremony was also attended by members of the diplomatic community and several visiting Uruguayan officials, supporting Uruguay's efforts at the United Nations.
On this sunny day, next to the statue of Uruguay's National Hero, General Artigas, a normally happy day in the annual calendar of events was sadly “shadowed” by a discreet disapproval of the “politicizing” of this important day, by the presence of a wreath from the Frente Amplio.
In the many years since the statue was erected in New York, many attendees were not aware of any political party having “colored” an Independence Day ceremony with an individual wreath, as ALL Uruguayans were symbolically represented by the Uruguayan flag and a wreath from the Uruguayan Consulate.
This type of political demonstration is inappropriate and can only remind Uruguayans of what can separate a society and a nation.
This is a day that should remind Uruguayans of what they can achieve together, and under one representative symbol.
by David P. Michaels - Bureau Chief, MercoPress
First Vice President, Foreign Press Association, New York
Suggested Stories
-
Feb 02nd 2012
Brazil will evaluate the impact and legality of Argentina’s latest trade barriers
-
Feb 02nd 2012
US plans to wind down combat operations in Afghanistan by mid 2013
-
Feb 01st 2012
Argentina new imports’ restrictions come into effect; claims from Mercosur
-
Jan 31st 2012
Uruguay industry accuses Argentina of systematically blocking exports
16 comments Feed
Note: Comments do not reflect MercoPress’ opinions. They are the personal view of our users. We wish to keep this as open and unregulated as possible. However, rude or foul language, discriminative comments (based on ethnicity, religion, gender, nationality, sexual orientation or the sort), spamming or any other offensive or inappropriate behaviour will not be tolerated. Please report any inadequate posts to the editor. Comments must be in English. Thank you.
COMMENT.... but Otorguez did not have “FA” in LARGE letters across the flag!
COMMENT: ... then “Celebran” with your “FA” flag on the other 364 days of the year! On Independence Day, celebrate under one flag!
(PLEASE NOTE: See above, “Comments must be in English. Thank you.”)
COMMENT:
Democracy also implies consideration for others, and respect for tradition. None of which you evidence, nor suggest applies to you!
Your article in MercoPress about the Uruguayan Independence Day celebrations in New York City surprised me deeply.
First of all, you are a Brit who happens to be married to a Uruguayan and happens to “rest” in PDE. I wonder: have you ever even voted in a general election in Uruguay?
Your past writings suggests that you once thought my country had the potential to become the next Gibraltar to your decaying empire. That is not going to happen. The words of the assemblymen of Piedra Alta, who declared “la perfidia de los instrusos poderes” to be “írritos , nulos y disueltos y de ningún valor para siempre”, seem very up to date and specially applicable to you.
Your resume (or should I say “rap sheet”?) clearly shows your involvement with Uruguay came with close ties to the military dictators of yesteryear.
If Uruguay wants to survive it is imperative it becomes a more inclusive , diverse country that is open to integration and is serious about debate. In fact, what Uruguay needs the most is “espíritu comunitario” and, once again, turning itself into a more welcoming country to immigration -building its future in immigration- receiving migrants not only from the “older Northern countries” but from lands closer to home as well.
This past August 25th in “next to the statue of” ( OUR –not- yours) “Uruguay's National Hero, General Artigas” there were a significant number of Uruguayos and Uruguayas and some allies celebrating our Independence. We were emphasizing our similarities and celebrating our differences invited by the General Consul. Not only political parties but the Afro-Uruguayan community , the LGBTQ community and other minorities too were represented among the officials and dignitaries, so articles like yours, that divide and subtract instead of adding, are not appreciated.
The bottomline is that we all have one thing in common: the love for our country and I would encourage you to present next year a wreath that reflects your sentiments because we would all agree that, at least, the disputed Frente Amplio wreath served its purpose: to lend visibility.
In this instance, it is dissapointing to see this day tainted by the socialists of the far left. The “Frente Amplio” is not solution to national and regional problems, but rather, a reactionary communist party founded by political radicals who used violence to further their means in the 1960s and 1970s. Bear in mind that I am not defending the actions of the military regime that followed not do I condone it, but I do not believe that moving towards the left is a solution.
Additionally, I doubt that what Uruguay needs are immigrants from the region. Countries like Bolivia and Paraguay have social and economic problems that Uruguay does not need to inherit for future generations. Uruguay was made econmically viable and intellectually and culturally valuable by the strength of those who immigrated from Europe.
This trend to march to the left in South America is troublesome and could potentially place the country further back both economically and politically than ever before. What Uruguay needs is an inclusive “centrist” democracy that welcome capitalism and economic viabiliy and respects the rights of all of those living in the country (white, black, or other). By promoting economic independence, the coutnry will move forward.
I was very sorry to read your note and your comments, somebody like you with such thougts not even must to get close to my hero's monument, because a man who denied the importance of the America 'mestiza', is againsting the values and philosophy support for Jose G. Artigas and his dream about the Big Nation (Patria Grande), included -for your information- for all the American Nations (also Paraguay and Bolivia): you believe it or not, the day is coming.
The only thing I can suggest to you: get your Fodor's or Former's guide to Europe, buy a ticket and go around Europe, because for understand and care about Latin America you need a new pair of glasses and also, a new mind.
First of all, I agree with your article about Uruguayan Day at NYC .
It is so simple as that. A very well and Brit article. Someone who knows a lot of LIBERAL DEMOCRACY. Something that some of the guys above doesn't learnt or worse, doesn't understand.
Somethig similar happened at Maldonado Square some weeks ago. The FA people used their flags at Artigas Monument. I call this kind of attitudes, OUT OF CONTROL.
It is like MPP campaing using stolen CONDOMS from Secretary of Public Health. OUT OF CONTROL.
So, Dear Friend, We will continue our LIBERALNESS attitude, even though, there're some Uruguayans living in NYC but thinking in La Habana.
Cheers (it is very Brit, isn't it?)
I fail to see this alleged connection between Britain and “LIBERAL DEMOCRACY”.
I don't believe the standard procedure for invading the many lands that made up the British Empire included a referendum.
A true “LIBERAL DEMOCRACY” would have conducted a simple binding poll “Do you want to be invaded? Yes/No”, “Do you want Britain to take over your natural resources and your government? Yes/No” “Do you want thousands of your countrymen to be massacred by the British Armed Forces? Yes/No” etc. prior to invasion.
Like Ghandi said in 1940: “We resist British imperialism no less than Nazism. If there is a difference is one of the degree. One fifth of the human race has been brought under British heel by mean that will not bear scrutiny”.
-ICAU alumni
Is there any chance you can work together with the newspaper in the creation of a scholarship?,
Instead of visit monuments, put your energy to work, so people like ‘hak ‘ they could have the chance, at least, to end school.
And then -may be-, they will be able to chat and be part of higher (and respectful) level of debate, like Andres.
Commenting for this story is now closed.
If you have a Facebook account, become a fan and comment on our Facebook Page!