Venezuelans Celebrate Bolivar’s Birth Anniversary and Naval Battle Bicentennial
The National Pantheon in Caracas, Venezuela, July 24, 2025. X/ @morillo_ady
July 24, 2025 Hour: 12:58 pm
July 24 also marked the 20th anniversary of the founding of teleSUR, a platform amplifying the voices of the Global South.
On Thursday, July 24, top Venezuelan officials gathered at the National Pantheon in Caracas to commemorate the 242nd anniversary of the birth of Simon Bolivar, the hero of South America’s independence movement.
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The event, steeped in historical symbolism, also marked the bicentennial of the Naval Battle of Lake Maracaibo, a decisive moment that sealed Venezuela’s independence from the Spanish Empire in the 19th century.
During the ceremony, authorities raised the national flag in honor of the Father of the Venezuelan Nation and carried out the corresponding protocol tributes. They also signed the official register at the Pantheon of Heroes as part of the formal tribute.
The day also marked the 20th anniversary of the founding of teleSUR, a multimedia news platform recognized for amplifying the voices of the Global South.
Among those in attendance were ministers Anabel Pereira (Economy), Coromoto Godoy (Foreign Trade), Leticia Gomez (Tourism), Franklin Almirca (Sports), Julio Garcia (Prison Services), and Yvan Gil (Foreign Affairs). Also present were Aleida Guevara, daughter of Argentine-Cuban revolutionary Ernesto “Che” Guevara, and Patricia Villegas, president of teleSUR.
During the ceremony, Admiral Ashraf Suleiman Gutierrez, commander general of the Bolivarian Navy, placed a floral offering at Bolivar’s sarcophagus. He was joined by high-ranking members of the Strategic Operational Command, including Maj. Gen. Ruben Bezares and Admiral Victor Borjas.
In his speech, Admiral Suleiman Gutierrez honored Bolivar’s legacy and his lifelong commitment to the continent’s emancipation. “Today we commemorate important dates for our nation. We have raised the national flag and offered a floral tribute before the remains of our Father of the Nation, Liberator Simon Bolivar,” he said, noting that Bolivar had set his sights on freeing his homeland from a young age.
“Following the ideals and guidance of his teachers, Bolivar vowed not to rest his soul or his arm until the chains of Spanish domination over Venezuelan territory were broken,” Admiral Suleiman Gutierrez added.
teleSUR/ JF
Source: teleSUR