June 19, 2025
Today’s Heartland delegation took a 3+ hour journey from the Pastoral House to El Mozote where we heard about the horrific 1980 massacre. One thousand children, women and men were brutally killed by the military in El Mozote. Our tour guide, Trinidad, lived in a neighboring community during the massacre. Sadly, she knew many of the victims, including family & friends. Pictured is the Memorial a las Víctimas del Mozote / Memorial to the Victims of El Mozote with the names of all who were murdered.
Next, we visited the Monumento a La Paz y La Reconciliación / Monument to Peace & Reconciliation Memorial. Pastoral Team member, Blanca, gave a touching reflection on the tragedies that Salvadorans have endured, the importance of learning from past mistakes and loving one another.
Our last stop of the day was to the Museum of the Revolution in Perquin. We received a tour from a former member of the guerilla resistance. He led us through the museum, explaining the history of the war. The exhibits are a stark reminder of the terrible history of the civil war that tragically affected El Salvador during the 1980s. Unfortunately, because of rain, we didn’t get to go through the guerilla camp.
We were reminded by all of our speakers today to remember to carry these stories so that past mistakes aren’t repeated and victims are remembered.
Each delegate schelped down your donations of medical & school supplies. We sorted and packed our medical supplies into individual bags for each of our households. Thanks for your generous donations.
