The 9/11 tragedy in New York and at the Pentagon often overshadows the other painful anniversary on this day in Chile.On September 11, Chilean people will remember their 9/11 when in 1973 a coup d'état took place overthrowing President Salvador Allende who died, and signalling the rise of General Pinochet.
The fatalities due to fighting during the coup might have been relatively small, however, tens of thousands of people were arrested during the coup.
While many were released, hundreds of people were detained, tortured and murdered.
The pain still lingers for loved ones of the murdered and those who ‘disappeared’, thus preventing many people from working through their grief towards a state of closure.
Vivir en Paz! Live in peace!
Hacer las Paces! Make Peace!
La Paz sea Contigo! Peace be with you!
Further:
1973 Chilean Coup, Wikipedia.
11 September 1973: The Day Democracy Died in Chile, BBC.
Dr Geoff Pound
Image: La Moneda Presidential Palace being bombed during the coup.
