Since I was a child, I’ve always been interested in the History of Puerto Rico. Last year, my History teacher showed to our class a video from an event that changes our history. It was March 1, 1954 when four Puerto Ricans enter in the Congress of the United States and start shooting just to catch the politicians’ attention. Those events just cause a big struggle between Puerto Rico and United States of America. That video opened my eyes to a great ideological vision and by curiosity I kept reading about that event.
Me: Lolita Lebrón? Member of the National Party of Puerto Rico?
Lolita: First, my real name is Dolores Lebrón Sotomayor. “Lolita” it just a nickname from my family. It’s a pleasure to meet someone interested in the national history.
Me: No, no. It’s my pleasure. Every time I read something about the 1954 event, my heart starts to beat so fast.
Lolita: Well, what can I do for you?
Me: A lot of things. But really I just want to talk about your life and your ideological beliefs. I will like to emphasize that you are consider a matriarch in the Independence Party of Puerto Rico, because many people like me, see you like a heroine and more.
Lolita: Thank you. That means the event marked a lot of Puerto Ricans.
Me: Come on, Lolita. You know about that. That shuddered around the world. But tell me, what motivated you to do that?
Lolita: Dear, since Puerto Rico was invaded by the United States, which shocked the society, many people did not dare to take that big step. They just saw the enormity of the problem, but when the opportunity presents to me and my partners, I didn’t had time to think about that.
Me: How did you know the peculiar moment to enter and start shooting the Congress? I have understood so far every police officer who was present there, had some vigilantly capacity to monitor any situation.
Lolita: According to the version from the Northamericans, I’m just a terrorist. A woman looking for the liberty from her country. The truth is that there is not a specific moment of the shooting. I know violate a Congress meeting is a crime, but I needed to capture the attention.
Me: Awesome! Of course you attracted all the attention, not only from the journalists, but the same Congress, too. I’m proud of you. The story is told from the perspective we see it. From my perspective, you’re my hero. Besides that, I have a picture of you in my room.
Lolita: Paula! You’re a cute girl. Thanks God, young people of today think like that, I suffered to much persecution for that event that I was imprisoned for that.
Me: Yes, I know. My favorite part from that event is when the Congress asked you: “What was the purpose of the attack?” And you answered: “the purpose was for the freedom of my country”. Literally, I was crying while watching the video.
Lolita: Don’t be a baby. It was just a question and I just answered. My hope is that today, there’s a big
change. You know, on what people really think about that event, and the political status of Puerto Rico.
Me: You’re right. Puerto Rico needs an instantly freedom. Well Lolita, I know you’re busy with the Big Guy up there. Thanks for your time and see you later.
Lolita: Thanks Paula for your valued and remember keep going with your beliefs and remember: Freedom for our country. Freedom for our hearts.
