Venezuela: An old saber of Hugo Chávez honored as a relic

“Long live Hugo Chávez!” during a parade in honor of the former Venezuelan president (1999–2013) Shouting, the soldiers carried the “cadet’s” saber to the tomb where his remains were kept.

Standing atop a convertible red military jeep, similar to the one used by Chávez, two cadets firmly grasp the saber and dagger which, according to state television, were given to the former president while he was in prison. Military Academy.

The ceremony capped off ten days of tributes, celebrations and conferences around the 10th anniversary of the death of Chávez, who died of cancer on March 5, 2013, while in power.

Waving dozens of Venezuelan flags, the soldiers walked about ten kilometers through the streets of Caracas to the famous “Barracks of the Mountain” or “Barracks of February 4”. It served as a base for Chávez during his February 4, 1992 coup attempt. However, this coup made him famous.

The dagger and saber were placed respectfully in front of the sarcophagus located in the central courtyard of the barracks where President Nicolás Maduro and several senior officials were waiting.

Mr Maduro placed a red rose on the sarcophagus as singers sang in honor of “Comandante Chávez”.

Many supporters carried banners such as “Chávez is happiness”, or “I am the son of Chávez”.

The barracks are located in the popular 23 Jan neighborhood, Caracas’ main Chavista stronghold, controlled by groups of militants who maintain a “cult” of Chávez.

Mr Maduro, who will seek re-election in 2024, used the ceremony to call for unity among activists. “Let’s think about the role that everyone must play, overcoming egoism, individualism, division, with the humility of being.”