As Panama remembers bloody past, a message for Trump: the canal is ours

[Judi Lynn]

By Elida Moreno
January 9, 20251:35 PM CST Updated 13 hours ago

PANAMA CITY, Jan 9 (Reuters) - Hundreds of Panamanians marched on Thursday to mark the anniversary of a deadly uprising against U.S. control of the Panama Canal in 1964, with some protesters burning an effigy of President-elect Donald Trump who has threatened to retake the vital global waterway.

More than 20 Panamanians, many of them students, died during violent clashes across the country in January 1964, which escalated after U.S. security forces opened fire in response to mass demonstrations against the U.S. presence in the country and control of the canal. At least three U.S. soldiers also died.

The incident, remembered every January 9 as "Martyrs' Day," is regarded as paving the way for the eventual transfer of the canal to Panama in 1999. It also serves as a reminder of a bloody past that still dominates national feeling over the canal in Panama, at a time of rising tension with Trump.

"Today is a day to remember the sacrifice of our martyrs, but also to say to the world that Panama is sovereign and the canal is ours," said Sebastian Quiroz, an 84-year-old retired unionist who was a student during the uprising.

More:
https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/panama-remembers-bloody-past-message-trump-canal-is-ours-2025-01-09/

[PJMcK]

1. We've been in Panama all week

It's a beautiful country with wonderful people, delicious foods and a rich history dating back to Spanish explorations of the 16th century.

As today is a national day of mourning, the country had many observances. I had never heard of the violent events of January 9-10, 1964 until today and it represents a dark part of the history between the Republic of Panama and the United States. It was quite an history lesson.

This morning, we visited the Miraflores Locks to watch some ships transit the canal. The Visitors' Center was fascinating. They have a marvelous IMAX movie (narrated by Morgan Freeman, of course) about the canal, its history, construction and functions. About midway through the film, President Jimmy Carter was interviewed about the treaties he signed in 1977 turning the Canal Zone over to the Panamanians. When the President appeared on screen, the audience, made up mostly of Americans, broke into applause! It was a remarkable coincidence that this day of mourning fell on the same day as President Carter's national funeral. We felt humbled to be here on this date.