The Panama City Mayor’s Office and the Canal Sentinel Association held a commemorative ceremony this week at the Avenue of the Martyrs. The event honored the patriotic struggle of January 9, 1964, a pivotal moment in Panama’s history. Officials also detailed ongoing restoration work at the site’s central monument and pedestrian bridge.
This annual ceremony consistently draws attention to the condition of monuments dedicated to the students who led the historic protests. The 1964 clashes, which extended over several days beginning on January 9, were a critical catalyst for Panama’s eventual sovereignty over the Panama Canal. Mayor Mayer Mizrachi explained the current maintenance is part of a scheduled plan, not just a commemorative gesture.
“By beautifying this, it becomes a tourist attraction,” Mizrachi said. [Translated from Spanish]
The maintenance plan includes replacing the monument’s central flag every three months. Crews are also performing infrastructure upgrades and improving the lighting system on the pedestrian bridge. The goal is to preserve the location as a historical, cultural, and tourist point of interest for both Panamanians and foreign visitors.
Keeping History Alive for New Generations
Speakers at the ceremony emphasized that honoring the Martyrs of January 9, 1964 should be a daily commitment. They said it should reflect the national identity, sovereignty, and autonomy won through the sacrifice of those young people. Activities leading up to the official January 9 ceremonies included a vigil and the placement of floral offerings.
An educational forum featured Haitian students and a direct participant from 1964. Rimsky Sucre shared his firsthand testimony to keep the historical memory alive. He provided a chronological account of the events, highlighting details he feels are often missing from classroom lessons.
Sucre argued that today’s youth are not disconnected from national issues. He observed they often show greater sensitivity to contemporary causes like human rights and environmental protection. The forum also included former Panamanian president Aristides Royo.
The city’s efforts aim to transform a site of memory into a living educational resource. Officials hope regular maintenance and public engagement will ensure the sacrifices of 1964 are never forgotten.