Formerly called Salazar Bridge, after the dictator who ruled Portugal for 48 years, this bridge in Lisbon got a new name thanks to the military coup that took place exactly 38 years ago.
"A suspected member of PIDE, the secret police, being arrested by soldiers during the Carnation Revolution." - Lisbon, April 25, 1974
26 comments:
you convey the perfect mood for this post with that night image of the bridge.
Eu não conhecia essa historia, muito interessante.A ponte é imensa!
Léia
The first photo of the bridge is beautiful and dream-like. The second is pretty scary.
beau post (et superbe photo de nuit) sur une periode sombre et trouble
It's beautiful! Love your night shot. :)
+1 on Kates comment
I like that bridge. April 25th is a national holiday also here.
I agree with Kate, that second photo is a little frightening. I love you night time shot.
@Kate and Sharon: The photo might be a bit scary but the truth is the four people who died on that day were killed by the abject former secret police, a kind of Portuguese version of the Gestapo, and not by the military who did the coup.
Wow! So interesting. I think I'd better read up on Portugal's history! That's a gorgeous bridge and the photo is superb with that bright cross in the background.
Re your comment on Ocala DP: Those I call Teapot Crackpots believe that anyone who doesn't share their fundamentalist Christian beliefs is pretty much worthless and will justifiably spend eternity in the torture of eternal hellfire, esp. socialists, Commies, Muslims, Hindus, etc.
Of course our Constitution states specifically there shall be NO religious test for any political office. In reality, many politicians and pundits and ordinary ignorant people demand obeisance to their fundamentalistic beliefs which have now spread beyond the religious realm into the economic and social sphere.
Here's the reasoning: Because Obama's healthcare plan (which was approved by the entire Congress!) requires everyone to participate, it and he is labeled "socialistic." A socialist cannot be a Christian in their minds. Therefore Obama is some kind of secret Muslim and everyone has faked his birth documents which means he is not eligible to be president and thus "Obama must go."
Ignorance and stupidity prevails!
@Lowell: It's not a cross in the background, it's Christ the King facing Lisbon on a very tall pedestal.
Yes, I'm aware of the US healthcare issues, the 'Muslim' Obama and all the rest.
Such a gorgeous bridge and I do love your night shot, JM! Politics and politicians just get worse by the day everywhere. Pretty discouraging, but fortunately there is still so much beauty in the world -- just have to work a little harder to find it some days. Enjoy your evening!
Sylvia
Great night shot!
I have to read up on European History.....
Excellent night shot. Boas festas!
Thank you for the link to the Carnation Revolution. It gives much depth to your post - what a spectacular day in history! And what a nice metaphor to rename a bridge to honor it. Great photos and a wonderful post!
Wonderful images... I am now going to Google your history.
Great shot, Jose. Southern European countries have a tumultuous history, especially in the last two centuries. I just hope that they get out of their dire economic woes soon, as the common people are suffering greatly.
Amazing piece of history.
Belíssima ponte e fotografia, oportuna postagem.
Magnifica foto!
Linda essa ponte qual que seja o nome que lhe queremos dar!
***
Um abraço da França e feliz tarde****
I love that you had this to post on April 25! I'm pretty ignorant of Portuguese history, so I'm glad to be educated by your beautiful bridge image and post.
Super night shot of the renamed bridge and, uhm, how does one say this, happy anniversary? Were you old enough to know what was happening in 1974, José? ;-)
@Francisca: Oh, yes! :-) I was 22 when the coup took place and I will never forget what it was like before! I know I enjoy freedom much more than those who were born when it was already taken for granted.
Two very dramatic photos.
Viva freedom!
Beautiful night shot of the bridge JM and thanks so much for the link, it's always very interesting to read about the happenings in other countries.
Another special shot of your special bridge.
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