Monday, May 4, 2009

Blue Monday - El Obelisco del Malecon


Blue Monday, hosted by Smiling Sally.  
Visit her to see what other blues others are sharing today.

Today I am sharing a photo a took when I visited my home, my parents, in the Dominican Republic, several years ago.  I forgot I had taken this picture for the purpose of finding out more about it.  For one thing, I didn't realize there were so many obelisks throughout the world.

Anyway, back to this one.  This is the Obelisco en el Malecon commemorating Las Hermanas Mirabal (the Mirabal Sisters).

These four  women followed their convictions with bravery and selflessness to fight for what they believed. To fight against a dictators rule they felt was wrong. Three of them - Patria, Minerva, and Maria Teresa - gave their lives for their cause.  They were killed savagely by some henchmen following the Dictator Rafael Leónidas Trujillo orders. They were a threat to this commanding man because they were involved with trying to over throw his cruel, ruthless and fascist government.

The story is one of bravery and justice in the end.  Read more about it here.


El Obelisco del Malecon in Santo Domingo, is painted with "A Song to Liberty." (by Elsa Nuñez) This 137 foot tall Obelisk, that Trujillo had built to bring honor and recognition to himself, was converted to honor the Mirabal sisters. It is now painted with the three women he had murdered. It was unveiled on March 8, 1997 in honor of International Women's Day.

This is a close up version.







18 comments:

  1. Great photos.

    It looks beautiful there.

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  2. Powerful art and history. Thanks for sharing.

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  3. All I can say is WOW--I love it--I love to travel and see all the beautiful places in the world --if money were not an object I would travel the world over---I am from Texas and new at this so drop by for quick stop at my place.

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  4. Hauntingly beautiful. Thanks for sharing.

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  5. What a striking monument! Thanks for sharing. Happy Blue Monday.

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  6. A powerful testament/reminder as to what the ladies sacrificed because they stood up for what they believed in.

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  7. Hi Yira, Wonderful pictures!

    Happy Blue Monday.

    Barb

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  8. Yes, it's beautiful.

    Alfazema

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  9. Beautiful Obelisk and great photo. Also an interesting history lesson. It is important to pass on any and all history involving women...we always seem to be left out of the history books.

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  10. Beautiful monument in memory of very courageous ladies. Thanks for sharing & Happy Blue Monday.

    Blessings,
    Sandi

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  11. A wonderful and meaningful post, Yira. Incredible, important history.
    xo...Kathy

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  12. Beautiful monument~

    Hugs,
    Stephanie
    Angelic Accents

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  13. Dear Yira thank you for a very beautiful post.
    These women were very courageous.
    Thank you for sharing this on Blue Monday such a vivid and beautiful photo.
    Blessings to you.

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  14. Great picture! Have a Happy Blue Monday!

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  15. I think it is really interesting that it is painted! I wonder how many obelisk's have ever been converted like that? Very cool - thanks for sharing!
    Cailin

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  16. That is a powerful testament to these sisters!

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  17. How beautiful! And what a story of courage!
    Thanks for sharing!
    Susan

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  18. Wow I'm always amazed at the bravery of some people. This is so special.
    Charlotte

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