latimes/nation/la-na-forgotten-hero-20140505-story.html Teresa Valcarce wants to see Congress keep a promise it made in 1783. Back then, the year the Revolutionary War ended, Congress agreed to display a portrait of Bernardo de Galvez in the Capitol to honor the Spanish statesmans efforts to aid the colonies in their struggle against Britain. A group out of Pensacola, Fla., meanwhile, wants to see Galvez granted honorary citizenship, an honor bestowed on such notables as Lafayette and Churchill. Never heard of Bernardo de Galvez? Exactly... His actions, according to the U.S. Commission for the Preservation of Americas Heritage Abroad, relieved British pressure on Washingtons armies. In Pensacola, when Spanish ships were slow to attack the British capital of West Florida, Galvez sailed into the harbor alone, according to the Defense Departments Hispanics in Americas Defense. Shamed and inspired by his example of personal leadership and bravery, the remaining ships followed, the report says. Galvezs coat of arms later included a ship with a flying pennant that says, Yo Solo, or I alone. As Lafayette was the symbolic representative of France, Bernardo de Galvez should be the symbolic representative of Spain, says a report sent to Congress by Pensacola residents backing honorary citizenship. Both countries provided vital support to the continental government, yet Spains influence often has been overlooked. Its not as if Galvez has been entirely forgotten. Galveston, Texas, is named after him. A 15-cent postage stamp was issued in his honor in 1980. Continue reading... with the link above
Posted on: Fri, 19 Sep 2014 03:05:16 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015