By Roy Lie Atjam.
Wassenaar, 7th September 2018, on the occasion of the 196th anniversary of the independence of the Federative Republic of Brazil, Ambassador H.E. Mrs. Regina Maria Cordeiro Dunlop and Ambassador Ronaldo Edgar Dunlop, along with the embassy team gathered at the Ambassador’s residence in Wassenaar.
Members of the Diplomatic Corps in the Netherlands as well as personalities of the art, sports, business, politic and academic world attended the festive reception.
Ambassador ReginaMaria Cordeiro Dunlop delivered a powerful extemporaneous speech welcoming and thanking all for joining in the celebration of the memorable day.
On 7 September 1822, Brazil declared Independence. Prince Pedro, son of Portugal’s king, stood near Brazil’s Ipiranga river and made an announcement of independence. He tore the Portuguese symbol from his uniform and declared, “By my blood, by my honor, and by God: I will make Brazil free.”
After that Prince Pedro became the Emperor of Brazil and forced Portuguese army to leave the territory.
There was a movement for independence led by Joaquim Jose da Silva Xavier, known as Tiradentes. Prompted by the American Revolution and the French Philosophes, he organized the Inconfidencia Mineira in Minas Gerais demanding complete independence from Portugal.
Up to date, Tiradentes is still an iconic personality, glorified in songs such as Martinho da Vila’s História da Liberdade no Brazil. The country will hold general elections in October this year. Celebrations, elections and more, 2018 is truly a remarkable year.
