From dawn, the Peace Garden was filled with people who came to pay respect and honor the memory of the heroes of January 9, 1964, who gave their lives so that Panama would remain sovereign. The ceremony began with the flag at half-mast. 'Their love for the homeland is indelible and their dreams are non-negotiable,' expressed the minister, highlighting that each generation of Panamanians has the responsibility of keeping this legacy alive. Icaza called for reflection and citizen commitment: 'Honoring the martyrs is not just about remembering, it is about continuing to build a united, just, and forward-looking Panama,' he emphasized. Archbishop José Domingo Ulloa indicated that this day is not just history, it is a commitment. 'Protecting the sovereignty that was won with blood is everyone's task,' he said. The guard of honor stood firm, showing respect for those who gave their lives for Panama. And it was not just words, it was felt in the air: every word was a reminder that Panama belongs to everyone and that it must be protected. The ceremony concluded with an emotional moment of silence in front of the remains of the heroes, remembering that historical memory is also a commitment to the present and future of the nation. People watched, some with their hand on their heart, others with glistening eyes, remembering the heroes of January 9. There were the Minister for Canal Affairs, José Ramón Icaza; the Minister of Culture, María Eugenia 'Maruja' Herrera; the Minister of Social Development, Beatriz Carles de Arango; but also neighbors, students, and ordinary people who feel the weight of that date in their chests. Minister Icaza, during his speech, forcefully recalled the courage of those students who on January 9, 1964, marched from the National Institute to the Balboa High School, demanding that the Panamanian flag fly in the Canal Zone. 'We come to honor those who with courage and conviction opened a path that forever transformed our history.'
