DistantNews
Support us
🇻🇪 Venezuela /Disasters & Emergencies

Venezuelan lawmaker marks U.S. independence anniversary, thanks nation for earthquake aid

From El Nacional · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • Venezuelan lawmaker Antonio Ecarri commemorated the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence, highlighting historical ties and thanking the U.S. for humanitarian aid after a recent earthquake.
  • Ecarri noted that U.S. investment, particularly in the oil industry 100 years ago, transformed Venezuelan cities and strengthened bilateral cooperation.
  • He also recalled that the first documented international aid from the U.S. was to Venezuela after an 1812 earthquake, citing a law passed that year.

Venezuelan lawmaker Antonio Ecarri marked the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence with a message emphasizing the historical connections between the two nations. He also expressed gratitude for U.S. humanitarian support following a recent earthquake in Venezuela.

It is difficult to separate that spirit of Washington, Hamilton, Franklin and those founding fathers from the flags of Miranda, Ustariz, Roscio, Bello, Simón Rodríguez or Simón Bolívar.

— Antonio EcarriVenezuelan lawmaker Antonio Ecarri drawing parallels between American and Venezuelan independence figures.

Ecarri stated that the independence of the former English colonies set a precedent for liberation movements across the Americas, inspiring key figures in Venezuelan history. He drew parallels between American founding fathers like Washington and Hamilton, and Venezuelan independence leaders such as Miranda and Bolívar, suggesting a shared spirit of liberty.

Today, as the 250th anniversary of the independence of the United States of America is celebrated, from Venezuela we recognize the historical value of a feat that inspired the freedom and autonomy of an entire continent.

— Antonio EcarriVenezuelan lawmaker Antonio Ecarri commemorating the U.S. Independence Day.

The legislator also recalled the significant impact of American investment in Venezuela, particularly during the oil boom a century ago. He credited this investment with transforming cities like Caracas and Maracaibo, fostering cooperation, and shaping the nation's destiny. Ecarri asserted that distancing the two nations is not the correct path, given their shared origins in the pursuit of independence and freedom.

The oil, along with American and European investment, transformed into the determining factor of our destiny and future.

— Antonio EcarriVenezuelan lawmaker Antonio Ecarri discussing the impact of foreign investment on Venezuela's development.

In his statement, Ecarri specifically thanked the United States for its humanitarian assistance after the earthquake on June 24. He described the aid as a demonstration of solidarity, stating that "brotherhood, freedom, and cooperation transcend borders." He also noted that the U.S. provided its first documented international aid to Venezuela after an 1812 earthquake, referencing a law passed that year as the initial legal instrument for international assistance from the nation.

Separating ourselves and marking distance has never been the right path for these sister nations, born from the same spirit of independence and freedom that today turns 250 years old. Celebrating freedom is always worthwhile.

— Antonio EcarriVenezuelan lawmaker Antonio Ecarri advocating for continued ties between Venezuela and the U.S.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by El Nacional in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog