Every year, between January 26 and February 27, the Dominican Republic celebrates Homeland Month to pay homage to the Fathers of the Fatherland and the symbols that identify Dominicans around 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 lay a floral offering to the nation’s counterfeiters: Juan Pablo Duarte, Matías Ramón Mella and Francisco del Rosario Sánchez, whose remains rest there.
“The Permanent Commission of the Efemérides Patrias is the body in charge of organizing events to commemorate the most glorious historical days that took place in the Dominican Republic. Since 2005, the entity has decided to draw up a calendar of floral offerings, with the intention that the institutions do not coincide at the same time in the Altar of the Nation and guarantee the solemnity of the moment “, explains Merling de la Cruz, event coordinator and protocol of the Standing Committee. national ephemeris.
Ceremony protocol
De la Cruz adds that staff appointed by Efemérides Patrias participate in the commissions with the intention of guiding them on their participation in the event.
“The representation of the entity that will make the offer must arrive on time with the National Flag, the wreath and a banner that identifies them. There is a parade from the Puerta del Conde to the Altar of the Fatherland. 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 concludes the act ”.
Once you have been positioned inside the monument, the offering is placed and then you can speak or take a minute of silence.
The pandemic season
The executive of the Standing Committee on National Ephemeris emphasizes that in order to maintain the recommended physical distance to avoid the spread of Covid-19, the participating institutions must choose a representation of only 15 people.
“Offers are made from Monday to Friday, from 8:00 to 12:00, in a maximum of 15 minutes to speed up the movement of commissions, taking into account the fact that about six to nine institutions participate in the course of a morning . In order to comply with this measure, we have the collaboration of the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Interior and Police “, says de la Cruz.
Permission
The Ministry of Interior and Police is the institution responsible for granting permission to participate in a wreath ceremony at the Altar of the Fatherland.
According to the entity’s communications department, individuals or groups that offer due legal safeguards may choose the appropriate authorization.
The process can be managed through the online services of the Ministry of Interior and Police, at least two working days before the chosen date and without costs.
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Soldier
Unknown
In countries such as 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 lay a wreath and pay tribute to Unknown Soldier. This is the name given to the monuments erected to honor those who died in time of war.
Sometimes it is a symbolic tomb.
The 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 executive attire.