The 'Always' of April 25th

The recent address by President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa on the 50th anniversary of the Carnation Revolution has sparked considerable reflection, particularly his assertion that he could not ask the younger generation to "love" April 25th because they did not live through it. While the President's sentiment is understandable – one cannot decree affection – it touches upon a deeper question about how historical memory is transmitted and internalized.

From the perspective of PÚBLICO, a newspaper deeply committed to fostering civic engagement and informed public discourse, the President's statement, while perhaps well-intentioned, risks underestimating the power of historical narrative and collective memory. It is precisely through the recounting of such foundational events – the struggles, the sacrifices, the triumphs of the Carnation Revolution – that a nation shapes its identity and instills values in its citizens. To suggest that lived experience is the sole prerequisite for appreciation is to diminish the role of education, storytelling, and the enduring ideals that the revolution represents.

While the President's words may resonate with a pragmatic view, they overlook the profound impact that historical phenomena have on shaping political, ethical, and intellectual development across generations. Many around the world "love" religious narratives or historical figures they never encountered directly. Similarly, the memory of revolutions, as catalysts for new historical cycles, serves as a potent force in political formation. It is through understanding these moments that we grasp the fragility of democracy and the importance of vigilance.

This anniversary is not merely a commemoration of a past event; it is an invitation to connect with the enduring spirit of freedom and democracy that the 25th of April embodies. PÚBLICO believes that fostering this connection, even for those who did not live through the revolution, is a vital civic duty. It is through such connections that the ideals of April 25th continue to inspire and guide us, ensuring that its legacy remains a living force in Portuguese society, rather than a mere historical footnote.