In Panama, the municipal authorities of the La Chorrera district, along with members of the Committee for the Rescue and Defense of National Sovereignty, commemorated the 62nd anniversary of the patriotic feat of January 9, 1964. During this event, the 21 Panamanians who died in clashes with the police and army stationed in the former Canal Zone were honored. Robinso Hernández Marín, who was wounded by a bullet during the protests of that date, highlighted the heroism of those who, by exposing their lives, fought for Panama's right to be sovereign over its entire territory. The 1964 movement was decisive in achieving, years later, a treaty that ended the presence of a foreign army and government on Panamanian soil. The mayor of La Chorrera, Eloy Chong, stated that “the sacrifice of this group of Panamanians was not in vain”. The commemoration began with a mass at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral on 5th and 6th streets, Amador Guerrero Avenue, where prayers were said for the souls of the martyrs and a reminder was given not to forget them, as an example for new generations. After the Catholic religious service, delegations composed of survivors of this patriotic feat marched along Central Avenue to reach the mausoleum located on the grounds of the synthetic field on the Atlantic side of the city. In a speech distinguished by anecdotes and little-known facts, Armuelles presented a historical account of the events of January 9, 1964, and the days that followed. Meanwhile, in Colón, the heroic acts of the martyrs who offered their lives defending the nation against American troops were also commemorated. Pilgrimages to the martyrs' sites were held there. Luis Carlos Carrasquilla, one of the survivors of that date, stated that as a student, he went out to fight for his homeland upon seeing the abuse being committed at the time.
