|
Brigadier General Antonio Valero de Bernabe (October 26, 1790 - June 7, 1863), born in the city of Fajardo, Puerto Rico, was a military leader who wanted the independence of Puerto Rico and who believed in the formation of a confederation of Latin American nations.
His father was an officer in the Spanish Army and his mother came from a rich Puerto Rican family. At a young age his father died and Valero was sent by his family to Spain, to study military science. He graduated with a junior officer's rank at the age of 17.
Valero was a recent graduate from the academy when Napoleon Bonaparte convinced King Charles IV of Spain to permit him to pass through Spanish soil with the sole purpose of attacking Portugal. When Napoleon refused to leave Spanish soil, the Spanish government declared war. Valero joined the Spanish Army and helped defeat Napoleon's army at the battle of Zaragoza. Valero became a hero; he was awarded many decorations and was promoted to the rank of colonel.
When Ferdinand VII assumed the throne of Spain in 1813, Valero became critical of the new king's policies towards the Spanish colonies in Latin America. He developed a keen hatred of the monarchy, resigned his commission in the army, and headed for Mexico.
In Mexico he joined the Mexican Revolutionary Army headed by Agust n de Iturbide, in which Valero was named Chief of Staff. He fought for Mexico's independence from Spain and was victorious. After the Mexican victory, Iturbide porclaimed himself Emperor of Mexico. Since Valero had developed anti-monarchist feelings following his experiences in Spain, he revolted against Iturbide. Things didn't go well for Valero and he tried to escape, but he was captured by a Spanish pirate who turned him over to the Spanish authorities in Cuba, where he was imprisioned. Valero was able to escape from the jail with the help of a group of men that were Pro-Bol var.
Upon learning of Bol var's dream of liberating and creating a unified Latin America, including Puerto Rico and Cuba, Valero decided to join him. Valero stopped in St. Thomas where he established contacts with the Puerto Rican independence movement. Valero then proceeded to travel to Venezuela were he was met by General Santander. He joined Bol var and fought by his side. Valero gained the confidence and admiration of "The Liberator" Sim n Bol var (1783-1830). He was named "Military Chief of the Department of Panama", "Governor of Puerto Cabello", "Chief of Staff of Colombia", "Minister of War and Maritime of Venezuela" and, in 1849, was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General by var.
Valero was the founder of the Liberal Party of Venezuela. He was always loyal to Sim n Bol var whom became his friend. He was, however, falsely accused of plotting against the Liberator and was sent into exile. He went to live in St. Thomas with his wife, a Madrid, whom he had married in Spain, and his children.
When Sim n Bol var died in 1830, Valero was permitted by the government of Venzuela to serve as an honor guard at the Liberator's funeral. Venezuela honored Valero in 1853 by presenting him with "The Bust of the Liberator of Venezuela" award.
Among Valero's other awards were "The Medal of the Liberators of Mexico", "The Bust of the Liberator of Peru", and the "Medal del Callao"
Antonio Valero de Bernab died in Bogot , Colombia, on June 7, 1863, where he was buried. In 1874, the Venezuelan government built a National Pantheon of the Founding Fathers where the remains of their heroes were to be placed. Valero has his name on one of the spots, even though his remains were never found.
Puerto Rico has honored Valero's memory by naming schools and avenues after him. There is a statue of Valero in the city of Fajardo where he was born.
Also see
| 
Feeds |
Contact