Post: Arica June 7-1880: they fought for the Homeland!

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Warning Sign-Herbert Mujica Rojas

28-4-2023

Arica June 7-1880: they fought for the Homeland!

Parliamentarian Sigrid Bazán, head of the Congressional Labor Commission, reported the following on Twitter:

“Another initiative ruled on in the Work Commission has been approved! June 7 is declared as a national holiday in commemoration of the Battle of Arica and Flag Day. This is an important opportunity to strengthen national identity and unity among Peruvians!”

In the midst of a maelstrom of news that drives not a few to disbelieve in the future of Peru, this information vindicates Clío and challenges them to discover identity and build unity, essential requirements for any nation.

These processes do not arise by supreme decree, nor by law of Congress, but rather are effort, dedication, and unwavering love for the country, its people, and its diverse past.

It is mandatory to dive into the pages of a rather tragic story but one that cannot forget the margesí of notable events in Peru and the sacrifice of that time.

With intense emotion, it is pertinent to remember the 1,600 Peruvian soldiers who, on June 7, 1880, under the command of Francisco Bolognesi, fought against 5,000 Chilean soldiers who, in the end, and after a carnage, took over Morro de Arica.

This saltpeter war, improperly called “of the Pacific”, 1879-1883, constituted a very deep scar in the national collective memory. It included the barbarism unleashed by the invader and the submission of those who achieved, via multiple paths, not always honorable, their particular and selfish “peace”.

It is important to remember that Colonel Bolognesi’s gallant response to the Chilean military officer in charge of proposing the surrender of El Morro, was courageous and in defense of patriotic honor: until the last cartridge was burned. Despite the overwhelming difference in the number of troops, weapons, and logistical capacity, Bolognesi and his officers imported land and incorruptible civic devotion.

That group of men in Arica demonstrated a courage superior to the death that befell almost the 1,600 compatriots sacrificed. He made an impossible task an insurmountable elan and a symbolic medal on the battlefield.

How much men with these sober and haughty characteristics are now needed in the face of the horrifying inequality both in weapons and in the number of combatants!

For some cold analyst, perhaps the Chilean ultimatum should have been accepted. History recorded in his memory that these 1,600 men showed courage and sacrificed themselves for their convictions.

Today when history, mother and teacher, is diminishing and stories and “glories” are invented in inconsequential beings, it would be well to highlight the example of these men who died for the Homeland. Beyond the pseudo-intellectual pirouettes and contortions is the heroic signature of these brave men.

Burning the last cartridge must represent the spur and spur of wills that do not hesitate to fight to the end, setting a transcendent and clean example.

Will it be difficult to appeal to contemporary intelligence to vindicate great combative moments in our history?

Persisting in their oblivion or inattention is a genuine clumsiness that can only be allowed by those who do not feel Peru, its horizon, past and better and obligatory future.

That is why the look at the past and a very near date is an outstanding effort, which should not be overlooked, nor is its cult of the gallantry of those who knew their fate in advance.

Our red and white flag has always waved before, over the Morro, on the immense esplanade that the invader conquered.

Perhaps the legislator Sigrid Bazán should promote, in coordination with the Ministry of Education and all the television channels, a talk at the national level for young people who need to know the country’s history.

The metallic bust that reminds Francisco Bolognesi is in the Museo de Sitio del Morro de Arica. I keep the excited photo of the moment when my son and whoever writes this, we escorted him in his tribute, years ago.

Honor and Glory to the heroes of Arica, June 7, 1880!