Two Great Women - By Adrian Ramirez

After­­­ I researched people of my country who left their mark on our history, I found two names that caught my attention. I still have not decided who I'm going to write a blog post about. ­­­This is a hard decision.

Two great women of history caught my attention, they worked for Colombian independence on different fronts, they were Policarpa Salavarrieta and Antonia Santos.

Policarpa Salavarrieta earn her living as a seamstress, she helped our troops gather vital information­­ about Spanish Troops movements, and gathered other valuable information to try win the war.

«La Pola en capilla» de José Maria Espinosa (1796 - 1883). - http://www.lablaa.org/blaavirtual/todaslasartes/pola/icono1.htm. Disponible bajo la licencia Dominio público vía Wikimedia Commons

Another great woman in Colombian history was Antonia Santos. Antonia Santos organized and supported the Guerrilla of Coromoro, warrior men battling for pride and liberty, the Guerrilla of Coromoro was fundamentals in the battles of Vargas Swamp and Boyacá Bridge, and these warriors prevented the arrival of Spanish reinforcements.

The work of these women was fundamental to obtain our independency, but they was assassinated by the Spanish Army.

Policarpa Salavarrieta died with her love, Alejo Sabaraín, and other six prisoners, in the Bolivar Square. Her last words before heir execution were, "I have more than enough courage to suffer this death and a thousand more. Do not forget my example."

After 150 years, to commemorate the date of this sad event the President of Colombia declared, November 14, 1817. The “Day of the Colombian Woman” in honors of the anniversary of the death of “Our heroine, Policarpa Salavarrieta”.

Execution of Antonia Santos.

Antonia Santos died in the Province of Socorro, with his brother and servants Julio 12, 1816.

 

These two women were decisive in the search of our independence of Spain, without ­­­their help we would not have been possible this result. Their actions are an example to admire, and shows toughness of the Colombian woman. They died fighting for their ideals, leaving aside his personal life, seeking the benefit of an entire new nation.

Because of this I cannot choose a one of these women to try to write about, I would rather write a ­­brief piece on both of their lives to recognize their sacrifices and legacy of two great women.