Within the framework of the commemoration of the bicentennial of the presentation of the Sword of Peru to the Liberator Simón Bolívar, the Minister of People’s Power for Defense Vladimir Padrino López, reaffirmed on Tuesday the legacy of this historical artifact as a permanent emblem of the struggle against imperialism and for the self-determination of peoples.
The sword, received by Bolívar two centuries ago in recognition of his decisive victories in the battles of Junín and Ayacucho, which consolidated South American independence, was commissioned by the Intendant of Peru, Don Cayetano Freyre, and crafted by the indigenous Chungapoma.
Minister Padrino recalled that its purpose was, from the beginning, «to embody the glorious immortality of the emancipatory struggles on this continent.»
In his communiqué, the Minister for Defense emphasized that, although this weapon «was never drawn on battlefields,» its value transcends the military to become a powerful «symbol of anti-imperialism and anti-colonialism» that guided the Bolivarian armies.
He explained that this historical legacy inspires the current tradition of presenting replicas of the sword to generals and admirals of the Bolivarian National Armed Forces (FANB).
This ceremony, according to his words, is «a genuine expression of the trust that the nation places in its best soldiers to guide its destiny and preserve its integrity.»
Faced with what he described as the «renewed aggressions of U.S. imperialism,» the minister affirmed that the Sword of Peru acquires a contemporary relevance.
«It is reborn in the national soul the whole counter-hegemonic, indigenous, and sovereign fervor that pulsates in this emblematic weapon,» he said.
In his conclusions, Padrino López elevated the sword to a symbol of «undying struggle, justice, and self-determination,» stating that «The Bolivarian Revolution has restored its brilliance and power, making it the azimuth that will lead us to victory in future battles.»
With this declaration, the Bolivarian Government reaffirms its historical discourse of sovereignty and resistance, embracing the Sword of Peru not only as a relic of the past, but as an ideological compass for present and future challenges.
Following, the communiqué:
BOLIVARIAN REPUBLIC OF VENEZUELA
MESSAGE FROM THE MINISTER OF PEOPLE’S POWER FOR DEFENSE
“…Bolívar’s sword appears and, like the sun overshadows the stars, it eclipses all the warriors…”
From José Joaquín Olmedo to Bolívar (1947)
“Two centuries have passed since the Intendant of Peru, Don Cayetano Freyre, representing the municipality of Lima, instructed the indigenous Chumgapoma to craft a piece of goldwork that would embody not only the gratitude of a liberated people, but also the glorious immortality of the emancipatory struggles on this continent. From this special gesture, the Sword of Peru was born, presented to the Liberator Simón Bolívar in recognition of his victories at Junín and Ayacucho. Although never drawn on the battlefield, it became an enduring symbol of the anti-imperialist and anti-colonialist spirit that motivated the United Liberation Army to break the oppressive chains that subjugated much of South America.
This imposing relic, heir to the grandeur, dignity, and loyalty of the heroes and heroines of the nation, permanently evokes the commitment to continue the libertarian, independence, and integrationist work of the Architect of our Americas Liberty. Therefore, a replica is awarded to the Generals and Admirals of the Bolivarian National Armed Forces as a genuine expression of the trust the nation places in its finest soldiers to guide its destiny and preserve its integrity. For this reason, today, faced with new imperial threats and constraints, in the national soul resurfaces the entire counter-hegemonic, indigenous, and sovereign fervor that pulsates within this emblematic weapon, inspiration for the unity of all patriots resolved to defend this land from any foreign attempt at domination.
By the light of the dawn, as we commemorate the Bicentennial of the presentation of this legendary jewel to the Father of the Greater Homeland, we rejoice in extolling the enduring historical relevance of its intrinsic values; for it, rescued from oblivion, has ceased to be a museum piece and has become an inextinguishable standard of combat, justice, and self-determination. It was forged with the sacred fire of ideas, love, and brotherhood among nations; destined for a visionary who consecrated his life to the most sublime human cause: freedom. The Bolivarian Revolution has restored its brilliance and power, making it the guiding light that will lead us victorious in future battles.
THE SPELL OF THE SWORD OF PERU ILLUMINATES THE GLORIOUS PATH OF THIS NATION!
Chávez Lives!… The Homeland Continues!
Independence and Socialist Homeland!… We Will Live and We Shall Overcome! The Sun of Venezuela Rises in the Essequibo!
Independence or Nothing!… Always Loyal… Never Traitors!”
Caracas, November 25, 2025
Vladimir Padrino López
General-in-Chief