National Heroes and Benefactors Day observed

By Aaron Humes: The holiday previously known as Baron Bliss Day and now known as National Heroes and Benefactors Day is being observed today, Monday.

It was first established in honor of English-born Portuguese Baron Henry Edward Ernest Victor Bliss, whose visit to Belize in 1926 proved a financial windfall for the colony which it enjoys to this day.

The sailor, engineer, and businessman left much of his fortune in trust to Belize in exchange for being buried on Belize’s shoreline, despite never actually setting foot on Belizean territory. His funds have been used to construct various educational and cultural facilities and support various community projects.

In his honor, wreaths are presently being laid at his grave in Northside Belize City by various dignitaries in an annual ceremony.

Also honored today are Belize’s two National Heroes: George Price, long-time leader of the country, and his political rival Philip Goldson. Their graves are inland at Lords Ridge Cemetery.

Traditional activities on this weekend include the Harbor Regatta and kite flying, as well as the conclusion of the La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge canoe race.

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