Unveiling of Statue of San Martin

Portrait of José de San Martín, raising the flag of Argentina.

Speakers: Robert Moses; Vincent Impellitteri,.




A WNYC announcer introduces the program, the unveiling of the statue of the liberator of Argentina, Peru, and Chile, Jose de San Martin at the base of Central Park at 59th st and the newly christened Avenue of the Americans. Attendees include Mayor Impellitteri, Robert Moses (who MCs the event), dignatories from Argentina, Chile, and Peru.

Moses announces the performances of the national anthems of the 4 countries.

Moses introduces Cardinal Spellman, who offers a lengthy benediction, praising San Martin's love of God and liberty and freedom.

The ambassador from Argentina Jerónimo Remorino gives a speech (in Spanish) at the dedication of statue.

The WNYC announcer describes the unveiling of the statue and we hear a bugler perform.

Impellitteri gives a speech praising the statue and event, which serves to bind a common purpose and ideal. San Martin is compared to George Washington.
The statue was given to the city of New York by the city of Buenos Aires, Argentina, as a reciprocation of a statue of Washington. Impellitteri cites the statue of Simon Bolivar as a sign of inter-American friendship.
Impellitteri thanks Moses and the parks department for their work with the statue. he thanks the other attendees of the event, including the two ambassadors of South America.

Harry Wiley Corbett, president of the Avenue of Americas Association, speaks about the symbol of good-neighborliness that is the Avenue of Americas and the San Martin statue. His speech continues in this vein. There is only one "ism," "Americaism."

Moses introduces Chilean ambassador Félix Nieto del Río. He discusses the link he has to Chilean history and his innumerable talents as a leader and hero. He talks about San Martin's exile from his home later in life. He talks about the honor of the statue. The honor has continued from 1814 to the present day and onward. He talks about San Martin's battles for Chile in 1817, done for Chilean independence, including the victory and Maipo. He ties the work of San Martin and Bolivar to the meaning of America. He talks about the link and friendship between Bernardo O'Higgins and San Martin [applause].

Peruvian ambassador Fernando Berckemeyer speaks next. He feels it is fitting that New York is honoring San Martin. Berckemeyer goes through San Martin's dedication to his country's freedom, his lack of concern for his personal welfare. He talks about the early history of his country and San Martin's ties to it. He talks about San Martin's life further.

Cardinal Spellman blesses the statue and the wreaths from the ambassadors and assistant secretary of state [Edward] Miller are lain at the base of the statue.

A WNYC announcer describes the action, including the military uniforms from the 4 nations and floral arrangements, bemoaning his lack of eloquence. He describes San Martin's story in brief before returning to describing the action. All parties were being photographed.
WNYC talks about future peoples returning to and reliving the events of the day. He waxes poetic about the ability for New Yorkers to relish the past.



Audio courtesy of the NYC Municipal Archives WNYC Collection


WNYC archives id: 150404
Municipal archives id: LT2207