The current value of May 21

Given the clear importance of Prat and the naval heroes, it is concerning that in recent times there are municipalities where mayors are willing to forgo ceremonies honoring the Naval Glories or do not attend those held in their communities.

For all Chileans, from north to south, from the mountains to the sea, regardless of their origin or place of coming from, Arturo Prat and the crew of the Esmeralda deserve a prominent place in the pantheon of Chilean heroes, a country that also honors the brilliant tactical cunning of Condell at Punta Gruesa and the strategic victories of Latorre, Riveros, Cochrane, Blanco, Lynch, and Williams, along with Thomson and Simpson, among many others, for their merits.

We are also a country that gives a special place to Admiral Miguel Grau, commander of the Huáscar in 1879, who was known as the gentleman of the seas, as demonstrated in the letter he sent to Carmela Carvajal (Prat’s widow) after the naval battle of Iquique. The brave Grau died fighting on the bridge of the Huáscar in the naval battle of Angamos, something that is remembered and recognized in Chile, despite being on the opposing side in the War of the Pacific. His merits deserve the honors of admiral, which he receives in both countries.

Obviously, the Chilean Navy ensures every year that the celebration of the Naval Glories has the importance it deserves. It does so because Arturo Prat and the crew of the Esmeralda reflect the best of Chile; they represent the principles, values, and ethics that we would like all Chileans, now and in the future, to embody.

Prat is the ultimate representative of leadership that leads by example, who cares for his crew, who does not fear facing problems no matter how great they are, the exemplary father and husband, who seeks to improve beyond what his profession demands, something he accomplishes by completing his law studies and dedicating himself as a professor at the Naval School, but even more notably, by offering free classes to working adults at the Benjamín Franklin Night School in Valparaíso.

Given the clear importance of Prat and the naval heroes, it is concerning that in recent times there are municipalities where mayors are willing to forgo ceremonies honoring the Naval Glories or do not attend those held in their communities due to other professional or municipal obligations.

If only they would follow the example of the greatest naval hero and understand that there are dates that are non-negotiable, and that it is they who must be at the forefront, we would be talking about a different Chile, one that is well on its way and well-led. Taking Prat as an example of command never fails, it never fails.

It is also unacceptable what happened at the inauguration of the Month of the Sea in the Valparaíso Region, which took place in early May, where there was a very low presence of regional and local authorities, detracting from the ceremony due to the evident absence of those who should have been present that day. A few years ago, this would have been unthinkable in Chile, and we cannot allow it to become a trend.

May 21 is not just for the Chilean Navy; it belongs to all Chileans. Let us celebrate it as it deserves.