The military, who 50 years ago marched to Lisbon and returned to Santarém, victorious, on the 27th, traveled along some of the most important arteries of the city of Santarém, from the Jardim da Liberdade to the Largo do Município, aboard some military vehicles, including the Chaimite Bula, where the then President of the Council, Marcello Caetano, was transported after the surrender of the regime. 

The group of military personnel, received by the Mayor of Santarém, Ricardo Gonçalves, and other members of the executive, were invited to go to the balconies of the municipality, similar to what happened in 1974, when the officers were acclaimed by the population that filled the square.

Moved, the military were applauded by the dozens of people who gathered at the Câmara, who, with carnations in their hands and on their chests, sang songs alluding to the revolution, such as "Viva os capitães de Abril" and "25 de Abril always".

For the Culture Councilor, Nuno Domingos, the historical reconstruction of the arrival of the military column is a way of paying tribute to all those who contributed to the end of the dictatorship, namely the military whose names are not so well known to the public, but who played a crucial role in the 1974 operation.

Created with the aim of honoring and remembering all those who contributed to the revolution, this initiative was described by the councilor as a way of welcoming and recognizing the importance of a group of men who "gave everything and asked for nothing in return".

"Some cried and were moved. Their souls are full and Santarém welcomes these military personnel like they probably have never been welcomed before. These men gave everything and asked for nothing in return, and history normally tends to forget about them. But we think that these people are important," said the councilor, in statements to Lusa.

This initiative not only paid homage to the anonymous heroes of 1974, but also wanted to honor the memory of Fernando Salgueiro Maia, one of the most emblematic figures of the April Revolution and of the city of Santarém.

"What Salgueiro Maia did, commanding his military column, facing the forces of the Estado Novo in Lisbon, and overcoming all obstacles until reaching Carmo and arresting Marcelo Caetano, is worthy of note. And all this happened with the help of about 250 men who followed their leader, without hesitation, with fears that they knew how to dominate and control," said Nuno Domingos.

The widow of Captain Salgueiro Maia, Natércia Maia, recalls to Lusa that on April 27, 1974, the streets of Santarém were "full of people" and that "the military were received with great joy and enthusiasm".

Natércia Maia highlights the courage of the military who "had the capacity and audacity to go to Lisbon to confront the Power".

"What moved me most was the departure for Lisbon. They showed a lot of courage and we had the notion that things could go wrong. Even today it is something that we have difficulty understanding," said Natércia, to Lusa.

For the widow of Salgueiro de Maia, these celebrations were important for all those who do not give due importance to April 25, stating that these initiatives are fundamental for "reflecting", "having more empathy" and having the capacity to "find solutions".

"For those who April 25 passed by a bit, these celebrations were important for rethinking, reflecting, wanting to know more and having empathy, which is something that he [Salgueiro Maia] had. He did not wait to be asked, he was a man of action. He always found solutions for everything, according to his possibilities".

After the return of the military column, the Largo do Município hosted a concert by the LVSITANVS carillon, in homage to Zeca Afonso and other April singers, such as Adriano Correia de Oliveira, Vitorino and Ermelinda Duarte.

This carillon, in charge of Ana Elias, weighs seven tons and is composed of 63 bells, being the largest traveling carillon in the world.

Leia Também: Desfile no 25 de Abril foi "impressionante celebração da democracia" (Portuguese version)