We share a report which was published on the website Tribune of the People, on worldwilde activities for the Day of Heroism.
Day of Heroism is celebrated every year on June 19, in honor and memory of the resistance of revolutionary Peruvian prisoners who fought to their death against the genocidal plans of the Old Peruvian State. On June 19, 1986, Peruvian president Alan Garcia ordered the massacre of 300 prisoners in El Fronton, Callao, and Lurigancho, many of them militants of the Communist Party of Peru (PCP, Partido Comunista del Peru) and combatants of its People’s Guerrilla Army (EGP, Ejercito Guerrillero Popular). The following is a compilation of events and actions held internationally in commemoration of Day of Heroism.
United States
Throughout the country, revolutionary and people’s organizations held cultural events, presentations, and celebrations to mark this year’s Day of Heroism.
Austin
The Austin Tribune Support Committee (SC) held a celebration for the Day of Heroism which opened with a narrated skit depicting the capture and imprisonment of Peruvian communists, combatants, and revolutionaries who transformed the dungeons of the Old Peruvian State into shining trenches of combat and invoked the fear of the ruling class.
The SC members read poems written by the Peruvian prisoners, martyred by reactionary forces on June 19, 1986, as well as Chairman Gonzalo’s Speech of the Century. One member explained that the Day of Heroism is meant to celebrate, not mourn, the heroes who gave their lives in the shining trenches of combat of El Fronton, Callao, and Lurigancho. Attendees sang along to an acoustic performance of Without Power and Hymn to Comrade Nora, both songs written by militants of the Communist Party of Peru (PCP, Partido Comunista del Peru). The Internationale was sung to conclude the event and after Peruvian stewed chicken was served.
Popular Women’s Movement-Movimiento Femenino Popular (PWM-MFP) held a celebration for the Day of Heroism at the Booker T. Washington apartments in East Austin. Several mothers and children were present at the event. A member of PWM-MFP delivered a brief speech on the history and importance of the holiday, and a musician performed for the crowd. The event concluded with activists and children releasing red balloons after sunset to commemorate the martyred Peruvian revolutionaries.
Providence
On Sunday, members of the New England Tribune SC tabled at Kennedy Plaza and spoke to passersby about the significance of Day of Heroism. One member gave a speech in which he connected Day of Heroism to Juneteenth and the struggles of imprisoned Black people in the US. During the speech, the member shared a statement prepared by a prisoner who connected his struggle to the Day of Heroism. After the speech members and attendees chanted “¡Sin el poder, todo es ilusión! (Without power all is illusion).”
A banner with the slogan “Glory to the Heroes of the Peruvian People, June 19, 1986” was hung next to the SC’s table. The table displayed framed photos of Chairman Gonzalo, imprisoned women militants and combatants of the Communist Party of Peru, and Peruvian art associated with the Day of Heroism.
Pittsburgh
The Pittsburgh Tribune Support Committee held an educational event in anticipation of Day of Heroism and took a photo with a banner reading “Glory to the Day of Heroism, June 19, 1986.”
On Saturday, Serve the People-Pittsburgh held an event for Day of Heroism at a public park. A banner with the slogan, “Long live the People’s War in Peru!” was unfurled.
Charlotte
The Charlotte Tribune Support Committee hosted an event in commemoration of Day of Heroism at a public park. SC members gave spoke to attendees about the history of the holiday and served Peruvian food. A large banner with the slogan, “Glory to the Day of Heroism June 19, 1986” hung from an awning.
El Paso
Tribune of the People supporters hosted an educational event at Marty Robbins Park on Saturday. Supporters distributed Day of Heroism literature and explained the significance of commemorating the international holiday. Peruvian ceviche was also served.
San Fernando Valley
The People’s Struggle San Fernando Valley tabled at a Juneteenth event in Sunland-Tujunga with a banner reading, “Glory to the Day of Heroism! June 19, 1986.” Activists spoke to attendees about the history of the Day of Heroism and the importance of commemorating the international holiday.
Houston
Tribune of the People supporters in Houston commemorated the Day of Heroism with an event at Finnigan Park. Supporters presented on the history and significance of the holiday and organized a group workout. Afterwards, people sung Without Power and chanted “Glory to the Day of Heroism” before sitting down to enjoy food, drinks, and discussion.
Los Angeles
Serve the People–Los Angeles hosted an educational event for Day of Heroism, joned by the organizations People’s Struggle – San Fernando Valley and People’s Power of El Monte. Members prepared and delivered a lecture on the ongoing People’s War in Peru led by the Communist Party of Peru.
Orlando
The Orlando Tribune Support Committee celebrated the Day of Heroism at a public park with a presentation. Members provided food and drinks to those in attendance. The event began with an explanation on the holiday. Music from the Shining Trenches of Combat was played while people socialized and ate. The event concluded with attendees singing The Internationale and Without Power.
Phoenix
The Phoenix support committee held an educational event for Day of Heroism at a public park. Activists started the event by giving a speech explaining the history and importance of the Day of Heroism. A memorial was created for the Peruvian militants and combatants killed in El Fronton, Callao, and Lurigancho in June 19, 1986. The memorial included a poster with the names of the 300 martyrs. Peruvian food was distributed at the event and the event ended with attendees singing The Internationale.
Wheeling
The Wheeling Tribune SC distributed pamphlets about the Day of Heroism at the city’s Juneteenth celebration.
Oxnard
On Friday, Oxnard Tribune Support Committee held a cultural and educational event at Roger’s Cafe. Members held a banner reading, “Punish the guilty, Long live the Day of Heroism.” in Spanish. A group of women supporters formed a militant formation with red flags in hand to the PCP song Women Fighters of the Revolution (Luchadoras de la Revolución).
On Saturday, Oxnard Revolutionary Study Group hosted a cultural event at a community park. A banner with the slogan, “Gloria al Dia de Heroicidad (“Glory to the Day of Heroism) was staked to the ground. Members created an altar with the names of fallen combatants and militants of the Communist Party of Peru. Free drinks and food were served to attendees. A group of women supporters marched to the beat of a drum while holding red flags and singing the PCP song Women Fighters of the Revolution (Luchadoras de la Revolución) at the event. Members gave speeches on the significance of the holiday both in English and Spanish. The event concluded by attendees singing The Internationale, Red Flag and Without Power.
Across the US, various forms of art and graffiti commemorating Day of Heroism were documented. These included murals and graffiti with the slogans “Punish the Guilty, Long live the Day of Heroism!” and “Glory to the Heroes of the Peruvian People!” in English and Spanish accompanied by the date of the event, June 19, 1986.
Austin
In Austin, “PCP” accompanied by a hammer and sickle was seen written out in flames on a roadside embankment.
Kansas City
Pittsburgh
Los Angeles
Tacoma
The names of the 300 martyred PCP militants and combatants were pasted on multiple walls.
Nashville
San Fernando Valley
Oxnard
Germany
In Essen, activists rallied in commemoration of Day of Heroism. About 100 people attended the rally. A banner with slogan “Glory to the Day of Heroism – Those Murdered by the Reaction Live on in the Fight” was held high by activists.
In Freiburg, a celebration was held to commemorate Day of Heroism. Activists screened a film about the Peruvian revolutionary movement which was followed by a discussion on the history and current situation in the country. The organizers also explained the significance of Chairman Gonzalo, and his contributions to the International Communist Movement and denounced the lies spread by the capitulationist and Right Opportunist Line (ROL) within the so-called “left” in Peru.
In Hamburg, on June 18 demonstrators rallied outside of the Peruvian consulate. The rally demanded the release of all revolutionary prisoners. Demonstrators expressed solidarity with the struggles of the people of Latin America and Palestine. Among the revolutionary activists, Latin American comrades also took part in the action, who in particular clarified the situation in Colombia and strongly condemned the Colombian government for the attacks on the Colombian people. Speeches and banners also called for the defense of the life of Chairman Gonzalo, the greatest living communist and leader of the Communist Party of Peru. Chairman Gonzalo has been in complete isolation at the Callao naval base for 29 years. The fallen heroes of the Peruvian revolution, who were massacred by the Old Peruvian State 35 years ago were also commemorated.
Denmark
In , activists held an educational lecture titled “Honor and Glory for the Day of Heroism!” The speakers taught about the history of the day, the revolutionary history and present struggles in Peru, and the contributions of Chairman Gonzalo to the International Communist Movement.
