By Isabela Nóbrega
Accompanied by the Commanders of the Armed Forces, the Minister of Defense, José Mucio, presided, this Monday (08), over the Victory Day ceremony, in Rio de Janeiro (RJ). On the occasion, 183 institutions and civilian and military personalities were awarded the Victory Medal. 78 years ago, on May 8, 1945, the unconditional surrender of the Axis forces to the Allies led to the official end of World War II. The date is annually commemorated in memory of the sacrifice of soldiers and civilians for peace and democracy among nations.
In an order of the day signed by the holder of the folder and by the commanders of the Forces, the courage of the Brazilian combatants who participated in this feat was highlighted. “In that distant time, fighting far from their homeland, the Brazilian sailors, soldiers, and aviators faced the hardships of combat, the rigors of the intense climate, and the skill of an audacious and experienced enemy. They proved to be true heirs of the values and traditions of Tamandaré, Caxias, and Eduardo Gomes.
In the document, the perennial and unconditional military commitment of sacrificing one’s own life was also emphasized. “Among the harmful consequences, we had 34 merchant and warships sunk, which led to more than 1,450 sailors killed in operations at sea. Aviation recorded 22 planes shot down in combat; and about 500 Brazilians lost their lives during military actions.”
In the end, the Brazilian leadership in the world was exalted, as well as the presence and prompt response of the military in society at times of greatest need. “Peace and harmonious integration with other global players make Brazil a respected and internationally recognized nation. Humanitarian aid and missions for the benefit of integration, technological development, and national infrastructure keep the military fraternally connected to the population, who respect and admire them,” he said.
During the ceremony, after the medals were awarded, a wreath was laid on the tomb of the “unknown soldier”, with a 15-gun salute. The event also included an air parade of two F-5M aircraft from the First Fighter Plane Group of the Brazilian Air Force, as well as historic vehicles and a musical band.
Brazil in World War II – Brazil was the only South American country to send combatants to the European continent. The Navy acted on the coast of the country to secure maritime traffic, escorted the 575 logistical convoys from Brazil to support the Allies, and was present at the “Battle of the Atlantic”. The Army led the Brazilian Expeditionary Force (FEB) with 25 thousand combatants and contributed to several victories, such as Massarosa, Camaiore, Monte Prano, Monte Castello, Montese, Castelnuovo, Collecchio and Fornovo Di Taro. The Air Force, the youngest of the Armed Forces, had its “baptism of fire” with emphasis on the action of the “Senta a Púa” Squadron in the skies of Europe, besides conducting aerial patrols in the national territory and over the waters under Brazilian jurisdiction.
Victory Medal – The award was instituted by the Ministry of Defense (MD), in 2004, to honor those who contributed to the dissemination of the deeds of former combatants during World War II, who participated in international conflicts in defense of the country’s interests, integrated peace missions, or who have rendered relevant services and supported the MD in the fulfillment of its constitutional missions.
Besides the Navy Commander, Admiral Marcos Sampaio Olsen; the Army Commander, General Tomás Miguel Miné Ribeiro Paiva; and the Air Force Commander, Lieutenant Brigadier Marcelo Kanitz Damasceno; the Chief of the Joint Staff, Admiral Renato Rodrigues de Aguiar Freire; the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Defense, Luiz Henrique Pochyly da Costa; as well as veterans of the Brazilian Expeditionary Force and other civilian and military authorities were also present.
Photos: Antônio Oliveira