Salgueiro Maia honored 50 years after the day the chains of the oppressive regime were broken

Hundreds of people participated on April 25th in the now traditional tribute next to the statue of Salgueiro Maia, in Jardim dos Cravos, at the exit of Santarém along Estrada Nacional 3, the same one where the column left that in 1974 went from Santarém to Lisbon to overthrow the dictatorship.

“On April 25, 1974, the chains of the oppressive regime were broken, giving way to a dawn of freedom, democracy and hope. And among the brave people who led this movement, one name stands out that will forever remain in the memory of the Portuguese people: Salgueiro Maia”, said the mayor of Santarém in his speech.

Ricardo Gonçalves considers that “50 years ago, the Portuguese people led one of the most notable revolutions of the 20th century in the eyes of the entire world”. The mayor recalled that before the 25th of April, “Portugal was under the yoke of a dictatorship that severely repressed individual freedoms, limited the political and economic rights of citizens and perpetuated profound social inequalities”.

Ricardo Gonçalves also said that “on this fiftieth anniversary of the 25th of April, it is also important to recognize the challenges we still face as a society. The freedom gained half a century ago cannot be taken for granted. We must remain vigilant and active in defending fundamental rights and in promoting fundamental equality and justice for all.”

“May this celebration of the 50th anniversary of April 25th inspire us to continue fighting for the ideals of freedom and justice. May we honor the legacy of our ancestors, may we honor the legacy of our ancestors, working hard for the well-being and happiness of everyone who lives here”, he concluded.

In the presence of Natércia Maia, widow of the honoree, his children and grandchildren, friends, public and official entities, the president of the Municipal Assembly of Santarém, Joaquim Neto stated that the 25th of April “represents much more than the overthrow of a authoritarian regime. It is the symbol of the fight for democracy, freedom and local power.”

For Joaquim Neto, “the objectives of the 25th of April to decolonize, democratize and develop were essential for Portugal’s metamorphosis over the last few decades. Decolonization allowed the country to free itself from an oppressive colonial past, promoting self-determination and equality between peoples”.

Representing the 25 de Abril Association, the then captain Joaquim Correia Bernardo, considers that the date “is a liberation that opened the doors to democracy so that the Portuguese could exercise the most basic citizenship rights of which we were deprived”.

“Today we live in times of uncertainty and enormous concern regarding the values ​​of freedom, democracy, peace, justice and equality. The values ​​of April are threatened, not only in Portugal, but also in many other regions of the world”, recalled the soldier, adding that “we will not give up freedom, which is essential to pursue the democratic society that we desire and that we want to be more democratic, more fair and supportive.”

Catarina Salgueiro Maia wrote a letter to Captain de Abril, her father. “Today, at your statue, we celebrate these 50 years with pride! Proud of what you and your teammates and friends have achieved. Proud of not letting themselves be complacent! Proud of having allowed our country to return to the world map! You know my king, I am extremely proud of you! I am extremely proud to be able to celebrate freedom and know that you were part of it! I am so proud to be your daughter! Knowing that you left that morning towards the uncertain, but with the certainty that you could not continue to see the state this has reached! Today, 50 years later, so much remains to be done! 50 years later, there is still so much fighting to be done! But I believe, my father, that the seed you sowed that day will bear fruit forever”, said Salgueiro Maia’s daughter.