The Embassy of Venezuela in Antigua and Barbuda commemorated the 243rd anniversary of the birth of South American liberator Simón Bolívar with a wreath-laying ceremony in St. John’s on Friday.

The event honored Bolívar’s legacy as a champion of independence, unity and sovereignty across Latin America.

Representatives of the Venezuelan Embassy laid a wreath at the bust of Bolívar, which was flanked by the national flags of Venezuela and Antigua and Barbuda. The ceremony formed part of annual observances recognizing the Venezuelan national hero, who played a pivotal role in securing the independence of several South American nations from Spanish rule.

In a message shared by the embassy, officials said the ceremony paid tribute to Bolívar’s enduring ideals of “freedom, struggle, unity and sovereignty.”

Bolívar, born on July 24, 1783, is widely regarded as one of Latin America’s most influential historical figures, having led independence movements that resulted in the creation of modern-day Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia and Panama.

The annual observance reflects the longstanding diplomatic ties between Venezuela and Antigua and Barbuda and serves as a reminder of Bolívar’s lasting influence on the region’s history and pursuit of self-determination.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Venezuelan Embassy in Antigua Marks Simón Bolívar’s 243rd Birthday.