Peru’s Ministry of Defense held today a solemn ceremony to commemorate the 149th anniversary of the Battle of Callao, occurred on May 2, 1866 between a Spanish fleet and the Peruvian Coastal Artillery emplacements of Callao port city.
Peruvian hero Jose Galvez Egusquiza was remembered by Defense Minister Jakke Valakivi, who described him as a modernizer of the State and defender of the country’s democracy.
The government official highlighted the Armed Forces performance as well. “They have played an important role and will help continue to sustain the nation’s democratic development with honor.”
The ceremony took place in Callao province at Cañon del Pueblo Square, which features a historic canyon used to fight the Spanish Armada.
The event gathered political and military authorities including, among them, Peru’s Deputy President of the Congress, Modesto Julca.
Galvez died fighting to preserve Peru’s independence after a Spanish grenade exploded inside La Merced Tower in the early hours of the said battle, known as Combate de Dos de Mayo in Spanish.
The Battle of Callao occurred on May 2, 1866 between a Spanish fleet under the command of Admiral Casto Mendez Nuñez and an alliance of Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, and even Mexico –whose interests were at stake– in the Peruvian port of Callao.
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Published: 5/2/2015