Gazing upon this hexagonal plaza you might not realize the depth of its meaning. The Aos Combatentes do Ultramar War memorial stands here in Lordelo do Ouro. It is next to the Capela do Senhor e Senhora da Ajuda. This memorial honors the soldiers from Porto. They fought in the Ultramar War. It is also known as the Overseas War.
The Aos Combatentes do Ultramar War memorial project began with an investment of 40 thousand euros. The municipal company GO Porto managed the construction. The project’s conclusion was expected by March 27, 2021. The memorial’s location is significant. It stands beside the Capela do Senhor e Senhora da Ajuda.
Architect Rodrigo Brito designed the Aos Combatentes do Ultramar War memorial. It features a hexagonal plaza. Five headstones or lápides stand within it. Eight granite benches surround the plaza. The plaza’s interior uses granite cobblestone. Construction included excavation work. This work was for foundation leveling. A reinforced concrete structure supports the memorial’s headstones. The structure has a plaster finish.
The Aos Combatentes do Ultramar War memorial aimed to honor the soldiers of Porto. They fought in the Ultramar. The Câmara do Porto supported the initiative. This was started by the Association for the Monument of Homage to the Military of Porto.
The memorial serves as a place of remembrance. It evokes the memory of those who gave themselves. They did so so that we could be who we are today. The Aos Combatentes do Ultramar War memorial recognizes Portugal’s debt. This debt is to its combatants. From Ourique to Ultramar they guaranteed Portugal’s history. They defended its different dimensions.
The Aos Combatentes do Ultramar War memorial acknowledges the courage. It recognizes the heroic nature of the Portuguese Combatants of the Ultramar War. They risked their lives. Often far from their families, they dedicated years to Portugal’s defense. At the time, Portugal extended from Minho to Timor. The decision of war does not rest with the combatants. They simply fulfill their assigned mission.
In good time, Porto decided to honor its Combatentes do Ultramar. It did so with dignity and permanence. This initiative came from citizens. The Câmara Municipal supported it. The new Aos Combatentes do Ultramar War memorial is in a dedicated plaza. It is in Lordelo do Ouro beside the Capela do Senhor e Senhora da Ajuda.
The Aos Combatentes do Ultramar War memorial stands as a reminder. It honors those who fought for Portugal. It is a place for reflection. It is also a tribute to their service.