Simon Bolivar had a great admiration for those who participated in the April 19 movement, which marked the beginning of Venezuela's independence process. He considered that April 19 was the first act of independence, and that it marked the beginning of the struggle for freedom and justice in Venezuela and throughout Latin America.
In a speech given in 1816, Bolivar said the following about April 19th: "April 19th was a glorious day for Venezuela and for all humanity. It was the day when the chain that bound us to the metropolis was broken, and when our struggle for freedom began. It was the day when the brave men and women of Venezuela united to defend their rights and the rights of all the peoples of America."
Bolivar also believed that April 19th should be remembered as a day of unity and solidarity among the peoples of Latin America. In a letter addressed to Francisco de Paula Santander in 1821, Bolivar wrote the following: "April 19th should be remembered as a day of hope and struggle for freedom and justice throughout Latin America. We must continue to fight together to build a great and free homeland, in which all peoples have the same rights and opportunities."