A state that does not celebrate Restoration Day as a national holiday is a "bastard state "
The president of Assembeleia General of Portugal's ‘Independence Historical Society’ said today that "if the state does not celebrate December 1st as its main holiday it is a bastard state without values or dignity."
Gen. Jose Batista Pereira spoke at the official ceremony of homage to the heroes of the Restoration, on behalf of the President of the Independence Historical Society of Portugal, José Alarcão Troni.
December 1st is the day that commemorates the Restauração da Independência in 1640, but for the first time this day is no longer a holiday, a casualty of the reduction in national holidays insisted on by the government as part of its austerity programme.
The leader of the Historical Society argued that December 1st should be restored as a holiday as should October 5th (Republic Day) saying that society does not "give up the fight for both holidays to be restored."
Pereira’s speech gained cheers of support from about two hundred people present at the Praça dos Restauradores in Lisbon.
Further speakers at the ceremony were the Mayor of Lisbon, Antonio Costa and José Ribeiro e Castro representing the President of the Assembly of the Republic, and General Rocha Vieira present on behalf of the President, Aníbal Cavaco Silva.
The unofficial celebrations today involved an afternoon parade with brass bands and other cultural and historical activities.
