Chargé d'affaires of the Embassy of Venezuela in Việt Nam Cora Yrene Fernández de Bajón wrote to Việt Nam News on the country's National Day (July 5)

212 years have passed since the courageous declaration of absolute independence of the Venezuelan people from the Spanish monarchy on that historic 5th of July 1811.

Today, this struggle for independence is still being forged, and it continues to be the engine that transforms and drives the will and determination of people born to be free and sovereign.

This declaration, which enshrined the libertarian principle, is still valid and acquires greater force and value today. And today, just as yesterday, in Venezuela we stand united. United, people and army. United in body, soul, life, and heart. United, together, and united to achieve victory.

Venezuelan people take the national flag. — Photos courtesy of the embassy

This 5th of July we commemorate the fact that more than two centuries ago in Venezuela we managed to get out of colonialism, we managed to get out of obscurantism, out of imperial slavery. We defeated the oppressive forces; we broke the chains and glorified the brave people who managed to break the bonds imposed by the Spanish yoke.

That is why the commitment of the Bolivarian people and Government led by President Nicolas Maduro, a legacy of the Eternal Commander Hugo Chavez, is resolutely and decisively to be every day freer, more independent, and sovereign.

As we commemorate this date, marked by history as the most important event in South America during the 19th century, which led to direct repercussions in other countries such as Ecuador, Colombia, Peru, and Bolivia, all under the military and political leadership of Simón Bolívar, we must remember and bear in mind that these are not only 212 years of independence, they are 212 years of struggle, of fervent and fierce defence of the values, principles and sovereign ideals of our peoples.

In 1811, the voices and arms of the people were raised, and two centuries later, the voices and arms of the Venezuelan people remain firm. No empire has succeeded in silencing, nor will it succeed in silencing, the voices that demand freedom. They will not be able to bend or lower the arms of those who fight to defend independence.

Today, Venezuela is fighting a new struggle to achieve its decisive independence. Today we are once again the victims of colonialist and imperialist pretensions, which seek to dominate the will of a people born in freedom, just as they did 500 years ago. But make no mistake.

The Independence Declaration of Venezuela.

President Hugo Chávez has left a deep mark on the Venezuelan people, he has pointed the way to a second and definitive independence. And the Venezuelan people have responded to this responsibility with a firm commitment, decision, and irrevocable determination to be a sovereign and independent country.

As we commemorate this July 5th, our National Day, we also recognise and praise the courage of a people that has grown in experience, has managed to resist the unthinkable, has fought a thousand battles, and achieved victories where others have decided to surrender. Confident people for whom the only way forward is victory.

The Venezuelan people, just as they did 212 years ago, remain steadfast in the struggle, they won the battle, firm and determined to achieve victory. There is no other way possible. Venezuela is and will always be independent, free, and sovereign.

Every July 5th, the Venezuelan people, government, and army reiterate their commitment to continue flying the independence flags inherited by our glorious liberators. Reaffirming that the true emancipating force, Independence, Homeland, and Sovereignty, is the only and true path for Venezuela.

The Venezuelan people, after 212 years of independence, continue to be firm and determined not to stop their libertarian and sovereign march. That is why, from the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, as we commemorate this July 5, 212 years of our Independence, we insist on the need to respect the sovereignty of peoples, respect for the equality of nations, of republics; respect for the sacred principles of self-determination of peoples, so that imperialist wars halt, so that invasions cease, so that the abuses of the powerful against the weak stop.

Today more than ever, we reiterate the rebellious cry of our aborigines: "Anacarina rote auno con itoto paparoto mantoro", "We do not want to be slaves, we are free, and we want to remain free".

Free and independent, that's what we are! And that is why we keep on fighting with our effort and sacrifice, for our dignity and independence. — VNS