Panama’s Martyrs’ Day 2024: Date, History and all you need to know

Panama celebrates Martyrs' Day on January 9th, 2024, honoring those who sacrificed for their nation's defense. Panamanians reflect on history and honor fallen heroes with monuments.

Panama’s Martyrs’ Day: Panama observes Martyrs’ Day on January 9, 2024, to remember those who defended their nation and gave their all. This is a moment for Panamanians to consider their country’s past and pay tribute to those who have lost their lives defending it. We shall discuss the significance of Martyrs’ Day and why it is a significant holiday in Panama in this blog post. We’ll also examine some of the ways that Panamanians observe this holiday and the numerous monuments that honor the country’s fallen heroes.

History of Martyrs’ Day in Panama

Some Panamanians’ resentment over the Canal Zone’s ostensibly permanent cession to the United States under the terms of the Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty precipitated the celebration of Martyrs’ Day in Panama. As a result, the United States annexed the Canal Zone, and its inhabitants became known as Zonians.

In January 1963, President John F. Kennedy of the United States agreed to simultaneously fly the flags of Panama and the United States at all non-military locations in the Canal Zone. Someone murdered President Kennedy before they could implement the directives. A month after the passing of President John F. Kennedy, the governor of the Panama Canal Zone, Robert J. Fleming Jr., issued an executive order limiting the president’s directive. Therefore, neither the American nor the Panamanian flags were permitted to be displayed in front of schools, police stations, post offices, or other public buildings in the Canal Zone. The governor’s order infuriated many Zonians because they believed it to be an abdication of American control over the Canal Zone.

The dissatisfied and enraged Zonians retaliated by flying the American flag everywhere possible. After the administration of Balboa High School removed the first American flag displayed on campus, students boycotted classes, raised a second flag, and posted guards to prevent its removal. The vast majority of adults in Zonian supported the protesting students. On the afternoon of January 9, 1964, Governor Fleming departed for a meeting in Washington, D.C., because he misjudged the situation’s volatility. He got caught up in the explosive situation while traveling from the Caribbean to the United States.

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Conclusion

Panama’s Martyrs’ Day is an important national holiday that serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by the country’s heroes. As we look forward to celebrating this special day in 2024, let us remember those brave individuals who gave their lives for their nation. May we honor them by living our own lives with courage and dignity, showing respect for everyone around us regardless of race or religion. As long as Panama continues to recognize and commemorate its history, no matter how painful it may be, its citizens will be able to continue building a bright future together.