Spain's Administration Initiates Procedure to Designate Avenida de Irun as Nationwide Landmark
Rewritten Article:
The Spanish government is on a roll, kick-starting the process to designate the Irun Avenue Bridge as a Site of Historical Significance. Here's the lowdown on what's going down.
This symbolic bridge has been a sacred memorial for the Spanish folks since it served as a crucial passage for thousands during the early days of the Civil War and under the dictatorship, making it an emblematic symbol of Spain's past. Fernando Martínez, the Secretary of State for Democratic Memory, highlighted this fact during a recent visit to the bridge, which took place following the initial agreement to declare it a Site of Democratic Memory.
Joining Martínez on the visit were Marisol Garmendia, the Government Delegate in the Basque Country, and Cristina Laborda, the Mayor of Irun. Sources reveal that the central government has accepted Irun City Council's 2024 request and has initiated the procedure to make the Avenue Bridge a Site of Democratic Memory, as suggested by Spain's 2022 Democratic Memory Law.
According to Martínez, the Irun Bridge is steeped in history and carries a significant weight due to its proximity to events linked to Democratic Memory, particularly those associated with civilian departures at the beginning of the Spanish War and during the Franco dictatorship: exile, prisoner exchanges, etc. To put it simply, this bridge holds a mirror to Spain's tumultuous past.
He went on to emphasize the educational aspect of these Sites of Memory, believing it crucial for future generations to understand the truth about the struggles endured by their ancestors. As he asserted, knowledge breeds justice, understanding breeds healing, and, most importantly, historical sites serve as guarantees to prevent past atrocities from being repeated.
Martínez also took a moment to acknowledge the grim reality that some still have to face forced exiles, just like those totalitarian groups or countries continue to impose on populations, causing countless refugees to flee their homes.
Once the official reports from various Basque institutions are submitted, the Irun bridge is expected to officially become a Site of Historical Significance, with the announcement set to occur this year—a year marking Spain's 50th anniversary of freedom.
As for Cristina Laborda's take, there's no doubt in her mind that the Irun Bridge is a historical and cultural treasure worthy of this recognition. She further emphasized the importance of revisiting the past so that we can learn from our errors and prevent history from repeating itself.
With the Secretary of State, the Government Delegate, and the Mayor of Irun, along with invited authorities, the Bidasoa Interpretation Center was the next stop on the agenda. The center houses memories of the Avenue Bridge and Irun's memorial associations, which all participated in the event.
Though the Avenida Bridge was built over a century ago to facilitate passage to Hendaye, it has become an essential linchpin in history, symbolizing freedom for those fleeing the brutality of the 1936 coup and serving as the starting point for countless grueling journeys escaping Franco's forces. The bridge's restoration in 2020, at a cost of more than 2 million euros, involved restoring the bridge's metallic structure and replacing its most damaged parts.
Related Topics:- Democratic Memory Site- Avenida Bridge of Irun- Spanish Government- Fernando Martínez- Marisol Garmendia- Cristina Laborda- Irun- Basque Country- Spanish Civil War- Francoist Dictatorship- EUROPAPRESS
Enrichment Data:Irun's rich history can be traced back to its position as a strategic border location along the Bidasoa River. Historical records reveal that the region played a role in critical battles during the Peninsular War and possibly during the Spanish Civil War. Given the vast historical significance of the area, it's not surprising that the Irun Avenue Bridge has become an emblematic symbol of Spain’s complex past. The bridge's potential designation as a Site of Democratic Memory would honor the victims of Franco's regime, preserve physical reminders of democratic struggles, and officially condemn the Francoist dictatorship. For additional details, consult Spain's official registry of Sites of Democratic Memory or regional Basque historical societies.
- The Spanish government, led by Fernando Martínez, the Secretary of State for Democratic Memory, is working towards declaring the Irun Avenue Bridge a Site of Democratic Memory, a symbolic move acknowledging its historical significance during the Spanish Civil War and under the dictatorship.
- The Irun Avenue Bridge, with its close association with events linked to Democratic Memory like civilian departures and prisoner exchanges, is a crucial site that carries a mirror to Spain's tumultuous past, according to Martínez.
- Martínez voiced the importance of historical sites like the Irun Bridge, believing they serve as guarantees to prevent past atrocities from being repeated, emphasizing knowledge as a key breeder of justice and fostering healing.
- The official designation of the Irun Bridge as a Site of Historical Significance is expected this year, marking Spain's 50th anniversary of freedom, alongside calls from regional authorities to learn from history and prevent repeats of past errors.
