Every year, from January 26 to February 27, the Dominican Republic commemorates the Month of the Fatherland to pay tribute to the Fatherland Fathers and the symbols that identify the Dominicans of the world.
On this date, dozens of public and private entities gather at the majestic Altar de la Patria monument, located in Parque Independencia, in the heart of Santo Domingo, to deposit a flower offering to the country’s counterfeiters: Juan Pablo Duarte, Matías Ramón Mella and Francisco del Rosario Sánchez, whose remains rest there.
“The Permanent Commission of Ephemérides Patrias is the body responsible for organizing events commemorating the most glorious historical days that have occurred in the Dominican Republic. As of 2005, the entity decided to establish a calendar of flower offerings, with the intention that the institutions would not coincide at the same time within the Altar of the Nation, and guarantee the solemnity of the moment, ” explains Merling de la Cruz. , coordinator of events and protocol of the standing committee of national ephemeris.
Ceremony protocol
De la Cruz adds that a staff appointed by Ephemérides Patrias attends the committees with the intention of guiding them in their participation in the event.
“The representation of the entity that will make the sacrifice must arrive on time with the national flag, the floral crown and a banner identifying them. There is a parade from the Puerta del Conde to the Altar de la Patria. The ceremony begins with the intonation of the national anthem, when it is performed on a national date or in memory of the personalities of history; if it is a regular program, the national anthem completes the deed ”.
After you are placed in the monument, the offer will be posted and you can speak or take a minute of silence.
Pandemic season
The executive branch of the Permanent Commission of National Ephemerides emphasizes that in order to maintain the recommended physical distance to prevent the spread of Covid-19, the participating institutions should choose a representation of only 15 people.
The offer is made Monday through Friday, from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm, in a time of no more than 15 minutes to speed up the circulation of commissions, bearing in mind that approximately six to nine institutions are participating in the course of one morning. To comply with this measure, we have the cooperation of the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of the Interior and Police, ”said de la Cruz.
The permission
The Ministry of the Interior and Police is the institution responsible for granting permission to participate in a wreath ceremony at the Altar de la Patria.
According to the entity’s Communications Department, individuals or groups that provide the necessary assurances with respect to the law can choose the appropriate authorization.
The process can be managed through the online services of the Department of the Interior and Police, with a minimum of two business days prior to the chosen date and at no cost.
KNOWING MORE
Soldier
Unknown
In countries like Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Chile, Spain, the United States, France, the United Kingdom, among others, there is a tradition of organizing a military parade with special guests to celebrate a wreath of flowers. lay and pay tribute. to the unknown soldier. This is the name given to the monuments erected in honor of those who died in wartime.
Sometimes it is a symbolic grave.
Altar of the Fatherland
The marble monument, designed by Cristian Martínez, was inaugurated on February 27, 1976. It has three bodies representing the Holy Trinity and La Trinitaria. Inside the building are the imposing statues of Duarte, Mella and Sánchez, sculpted by the Italian
Arrighini.
Dress code.
The solemnity of the act requires performing attire.