MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Chile's national hero British roots celebrated in Richmond

Local residents in Richmond United Kingdom, next to the Thames River joined Chilean nationals Tuesday to celebrate the 228th birth anniversary of Chile's national hero Bernardo O'Higgins.

Festivities were headed by Richmond mayor William Treblem and Chilean Ambassador in London, Rafael Moreno.

O'Higgins who lived for three years in Richmond studied what would now be called a liberal arts course, with history, geography, music, French, painting and other subjects. In London, O'Higgins met Francisco de Miranda y Rodríguez, a young Venezuelan who became his mentor in revolutionary thinking and later in Spain he formed a strong friendship with José de San Martín, later the liberator of Argentina.

"Fro Chileans Richmond means coming to know the roots of our great national hero,?it was here that Don Bernardo expanded his intellectual horizon and begun nurturing the ideas of national liberty for Chile", said Ambassador Moreno.

Richmond's mayor underlined that "this gathering with Chileans commemorates our strong link with one of the most illustrious men to have lived in this county. We are particularly proud of this bond".

Following the oratory both national anthems where sang and Chilean and British authorities placed flower wreaths at the monument to the Chilean hero.

The ceremony was also entertained by a Chilean Army band which recently participated in the Edinburgh Tattoo Military festival and a Chilean dance group