Salvador Allende — the democratically elected president of Chile ultimately overthrown by dictator Augusto Pinochet and his compinches — would have been 100 years old today. In Chile, his birthday was celebrated and the validity of his message still resonates today:

Outside of the Palacio de Gobierno, the place where Allende committed suicide after the military coup of 1973, hundreds of sympathizers , politicians and human rights groups commemorated the birthday of one of the biggest symbols of socialism in Latin America and the world.

“He is more relevant than ever, in the new, old and future generations,” said senator and daughter of the ex-leader, Isabel Allende.

“In every corner of the world we need to fight for greater equality, for the unsatisfied needs, the inequality, discrimination…there the legacy of president Allende will always be present,” she said.

Indeed. Have a look at Allende’s farewell speech to the people of Chile. His sacrifice was not in vain. As Allende said “I will always be next to you. At least my memory will be that of a man of dignity who was loyal to his country.”

Via / El Universal