Cruz Verde Veterans Gather

This post is also available in:

 

Cruz Verde veterans receive recognition

CV Veterans website and Facebook

Credit: Gloria Silvia OrellanaOriginal link: Diario Co Latino, Photos from CVV FB

Many are grandparents, some live outside the country, and others gave their lives some time ago, but what unites this group of men is their unconditional love for volunteering to assist the population in dangerous situations. On June 24, International Rescuer Day was celebrated, and as part of this commemoration, the founders of Cruz Verde, Brigada de Rescate Internacional and Los Cusucos de El Salvador gathered to receive recognition for their humanitarian vocation.

William Alexander Urías stated that the event was being held for the first time and was intended to bring together the “great family of Salvadoran volunteers.” “Over the years, we have faced many situations, such as the war in the eighties; earthquakes, floods, just as journalists enter conflict zones, you with your cameras and us with our uniforms and flags, sometimes believing that this is enough of a shield to help people,” he said.

Urías considered that by honoring the veterans (CVS-BRA), their courage and selfless dedication, without expecting anything in return, were being recognized.

“All of us who are here are one big family. Many gave their lives helping people; many showed courage and bravery in dangerous work. Now that we are old, and seeing everyone here, I feel privileged and proud that they came,” he stated.

Cruz Verde was founded after a split from Comandos de Salvamento over the leadership of the rescue organization, recounted Iván Jiménez, who joined the volunteer corps at 16 years of age.

“To speak of Cruz Verde is to speak of family, under the leadership of Mario Rico and others, who were looking for a little adventure but were committed to the people. Our first asset was part of a house belonging to a relative of the founders, and we had a bunk bed for three people to sleep… it did not matter; many of us slept on the floor, ready to help the population,” he said.

Cruz Verde had already been founded in Santa Ana, Jiménez added, “therefore, we spoke with them and founded the branch in the Santa Anita neighborhood, (San Salvador), and we had an ambulance until the beginning of 1981, which served us during the armed conflict, because before that we even asked people to help us transport others in private vehicles,” he recalled.

With the help of the women from the market and other altruistic people, Cruz Verde obtained its own headquarters and was recognized by local residents and government authorities.

“We put on the white uniform and took up the green flag, and we began to grow. Some were distributed throughout the country as the armed conflict progressed. This serves as part of the history of our country, of the people who gave their lives and hearts to save others,” he concluded.

At the event, recognition was presented to the evening newspaper Diario Co Latino, acknowledging its work and contribution to Salvadoran society by covering part of the country’s history.