Chile has come full circle since the bloody coup 40 years ago today
Mario Ignacio Artaza says there's a lesson in the nation's journey from bloody coup to democracy
Today, Chile commemorates 40 years since the bloody military coup which ousted Salvador Allende, the first democratically elected socialist president of a Latin American nation.
Thousands of Chileans were executed, imprisoned, tortured or exiled during and after the brutal takeover. Hundreds remain unaccounted for and many, like my own immediate family, had to restart their lives far away from those they knew and cared for, for security as well as economic reasons. While some had their youth torn from them, others experienced inexplicable traumas which made it difficult to carry on decent lives while enduring forced or voluntary exile.
Many foreigners also tragically lost their lives in Chile, including American journalists Charles Horman and Frank Teruggi Jnr, whose stories were brought to life in the film Missing. It would take 17 years for Chile to recover its democracy, through the triumph of a united, colourful democratic movement.
Notwithstanding the pain, sadness and memories of the crimes perpetrated by the military officers and security personnel linked to the regime of General Augusto Pinochet, September 11 is a date to reflect on those days full of hatred and division, driven by misunderstandings as well as a lack of tolerance. More importantly, it is a day to draw the line on where we stand as a nation today; to confront the dark past and move forward. "Never again" are two words which form an oath for Chileans; words that have become embedded in our soul. We have strived to come full circle and recover from our wounds and profound differences.
Chile today continues to make its mark on the world, a showcase for nations and societies that aim to achieve credible goals in many fields of human development through dialogue, consensus building, participation, transparency and accountability.
Chile has become an export powerhouse in many fields of entrepreneurship, innovating and incorporating talent from around the world. But, above all, Chile stands tall as a nation which has learned to care and value its democratic principles. Solidarity and caring for those who have less must be a mainstay if we are to triumph.