Thread by @HispanicCouncil

Today, Manuel Olmedo, Vice President of the @ACGalvezOfficial and member of the Hispanic Council Advisory Board, participated in the "Juan Sebastián Elcano" debate with a lecture on Bernardo de Gálvez. #RespectHispanicHeritage

This Spanish military officer was a key figure in Spanish support for the American War of Independence. His involvement began with the delivery of supplies while serving as governor of Louisiana. #RespectHispanicHeritage

After Spain's entry into the war, he was placed in command of several troops to approach English territory, collaborating with the Continental Army, formed by the thirteen colonies that would later become the United States of America. #RespectHispanicHeritage

Their actions were instrumental in helping the Continental Army achieve victory in the Revolutionary War by driving the British out of both the lower Mississippi Basin and Florida. #RespectHispanicHeritage hispaniccouncil.org/el-papel-decis…
Photo credit: @NatGeoEsp

A highlight occurred at the surrender of Pensacola (1781), where he earned the iconic "I Alone" title on his shield by jumping from his ship onto the enemy ship, as well as being promoted to lieutenant general. #RespectHispanicHeritage

His participation in the American Revolution was captured twice by painter Ferrer Dalmau. First, for the siege of Pensacola, and then, for the advance across the Mississippi into English territory. #RespectHispanicHeritage
hispaniccouncil.org/bernardo-de-ga…
Works: @DalmauFerrer

In 2014, the U.S. Senate recognized him as an Honorary U.S. Citizen for his contribution to the war. Title he shares with personalities such as Winston Churchill or Mother Teresa. #RespectHispanicHeritage hispaniccouncil.org/el-espanol-ber…
Image from Wikimedia

That same year, Gálvez earned a spot on the walls of the @visitthecapitol, after @TeresaValcarce managed to make good on the founding fathers' promise, as she told us in this interview. hispaniccouncil.org/teresa-valcarc…
#RespectHispanicHeritage

For Manuel Olmedo, Bernardo de Gálvez's role in the War of Independence was "crucial": "His intelligence, determination and human values were key". You can read the interview we conducted with him here. #RespectHispanicHeritage hispaniccouncil.org/hay-que-impuls…