Monument and Unknown Soldier
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La Tercera, Saturday, March 13, 2020
Dear Director:
The monument to General Baquedano has finally been removed for repairs. However, next to this monument lies the tomb of the unknown soldier, which represents the thousands of soldiers who gave their lives for our homeland. This tomb also represents Chilean miners, farmers, fishermen, teachers, and artisans. In short, it symbolizes the deep Chile that has bequeathed us more than a century of peace.
It is precisely this grave— a living expression that connects us with our memory and identity—that requires the utmost attention given the various grievances it has suffered. I am sure that if we could ask General Baquedano today about the situation at that end of our Alameda, he would first say, ‘Take care of the tomb that holds the remains of one of my soldiers.’
Most Western democracies have, as their principal monument, the tomb of the unknown soldier. It is this figure that is honored during state visits. It is not surprising that, for example, in the United Kingdom, it has been located in Westminster Abbey since 1920; or, in the case of France, under the Arc de Triomphe since 1921.
Our unknown soldier is from the War of the Pacific. His installation in this privileged location, accompanied by his commanding general, is what Chile has decided. Today, a ceremony of redress with all the appropriate honors is necessary for what Chile eternally owes him, so that he continues to occupy the place that corresponds in our national memory and identity. As a proposal, an ‘Arc de Triomphe’ should be erected with all the battles, with the tomb of the unknown soldier as the central figure of this monument.
Certainly, our General Baquedano must return to his rightful place. It is a debt owed for his contribution and spartan dedication. Not in vain did 150,000 residents of Santiago, out of a total of 300,000, accompany him at his funeral in 1897 and donate money to erect his monument.
John Griffiths Spielman
Head of Security and Defense Studies AthenaLab
