By
the A.M. Costa Rica staff
Juan
Santamaría is being declared a national hero. If
there was any doubt, the Legislative Assembly
approved the decision by unanimous vote on reading
the first draft of the proposal in 2011.
Santamaría was the drummer boy who successfully
ignited an enemy stronghold to turn the tide of
the Battle of Rivas, according to the traditional
story.
The Battle of Rivas occurred on 11 April 1856
between Costa Rican militia under General Mora and
the Nicaraguan forces of William Walker.
The lesser known First Battle of Rivas took place
on the 29 June 1855 between Walker's forces and
the forces of the Chamorro government of
Nicaragua.
The Alajuela international airport bears his name
and there are several statues of him in action
around the country.
April 11 is celebrated as Juan Santamaría Day, and
there is little doubt he is being commemorated as
a hero, although historians disagree on the actual
event. The day is a legal holiday.
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The Ministry of Culture did take responsibility
for the statues of Juan Santamaría and museums
dedicated to him.
The Ministry of Public Education was ordered to
expand on the history of Santamaría as presented
to public school students.
Most students are off Thursday, but those in Alajuela*, the province
where Santamaría was born, will participate in a
traditional parade.
The Ministry of Public Works notes that if regular
employees work on they must receive double pay.
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Have you
ever visited the Juan Santamaria Museum? We
would like to know your thoughts on this
story. Send your comments to: news@amcostarica.com
*Link to reach the place.
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