Three of our Latin American countries celebrated Independence Days in July and we want to take a moment to look back and remember these historical events and their meaning to our home countries. Read the testimonies from three of our team members as they share what these dates mean to them.
Venezuela – July 5
-by Maria M.
July 5 marks Venezuela’s Independence Day, a day of great significance for all Venezuelans. In 1811, our heroes declared the country’s independence from Spanish rule, marking the beginning of a new era for the nation.
Venezuela is a country blessed with breathtaking natural beauty, from the majestic mountain ranges of the Andes to the paradisiacal beaches of the Caribbean, from the imposing tepuis to the vast plains, Venezuela offers a myriad of landscapes to explore and enjoy.
You may wonder why we are sharing this post, and it is because to remember is to live. Understanding who we are, where we come from and where we are going is important to our health and to be able to design a healthcare system that gives us the services we need, when we need them and where we are.
My work at the University of Wisconsin seeks to ensure that as we age, we all have the opportunity to live with the best quality of life, and it is thanks to the support of all who read and follow us that we can continue to learn, research and innovate.
On July 5, I remembered my roots, my beloved Venezuela.
Far away, but not absent.
Colombia – July 20
-by Javier
Hello everyone! As we commemorate Colombia’s independence, I reflect on my own journey from Colombia to the U.S., where I have been fortunate to contribute to vital research on Alzheimer’s and other dementias in the Latino community.
I immigrated to the U.S. in 2001, bringing with me the rich culture, vibrant traditions and resilient spirit of Colombia. These elements of my heritage inspire my work every day at the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center of Wisconsin. Our mission is to improve access to culturally sensitive care and disseminate accurate information about Alzheimer’s disease within Latino communities.
On July 20, I stand proud to honor Colombia and its impact on who I am today. Let’s celebrate our heritage and continue to support the health and wellness of our communities!
Happy Independence Day, Colombia!
Peru – July 28
-by Susie
On July 28 we celebrated Peru’s Independence Day!
At the Mora Pinzon lab, we honor the diverse heritage of our members while working to improve health outcomes in Latino communities.
Our lab’s strength lies in our diversity, bringing together perspectives from different countries and cultures. This rich blend of backgrounds enriches our research, allowing us to better address the unique health challenges faced by Latino communities.
As we honor Peru’s journey to independence, we’re reminded of the vital role cultural understanding plays in nurturing health and fostering care that truly resonates with our communities.
We celebrate not just Peru’s independence, but the shared journey of all Latin American nations. This spirit of unity drives us as we work together to build a brighter future with improved access to quality healthcare for all.
¡Felices Fiestas Patrias to our Peruvian team members and all who are celebrating.