Argentinian Herald

Monument to Memory Brings Closure

Buenos Aires- Twenty nine year old Gabrielle Ibanez, her mother Alicia Ibanez and
grandmother Sarah Castellano, stood arm in arm in the Plaza de Mayor before a cheering crowd of approximately 1,500 poised to unveil a monument to the “Los Desaparecidos”. A life long dream of Gabrielle and her mother, the granite forty­ -five foot long wall features carvings of hundreds of faceless men, women and children and a center plaque listing the names of the thousands who disappeared during the reign of the military junta during the “dirty war”. Gabrielle, herself a product of this dark period in Argentinian history, hopes the monument will bring sufficient honor to those lost and stand as a reminder to the living for continued vigilance of human rights.

In 1983, Alicia Ibanez, a former professor of history, discovered that her five year old
daughter that she adopted was the newborn infant of an imprisoned couple. Through the assistance of the Mothers of the Disappeared, Ms.Ibanez was able to locate records confirming her as the granddaughter of Sarah Castellano, whose pregnant daughter and son-in-law were taken into custody one summer evening at a barbecue and never seen again. Overjoyed at locating her granddaughter, Mrs. Castellano spent months working with the Ibanezes and a local social worker to determine the best way to provide a stable environment for Gaby and not cause undue psychological stress. When the Ibanezes household help moved soon after the discovery, an opportunity arose for Mrs. Castellano to assume the position, thus allowing her daily contact with her granddaughter and the chance to build a loving relationship with Gaby. This relationship took on even more importance when Gabrielle’s father, Roberto, died in 1992 leaving fourteen year old Gabrielle devastated by the loss of her father. Prior to his death, Alicia and Roberto felt it time to share the truth of Gabrielle’s history with her and introduce her to her grandmother.

Gabrielle Ibanez, lawyer and human rights activist, first conceived of the monument during her college career, while completing her doctoral studies on victims’ rights. To launch their project, Gabrielle and Alicia collaborated in publishing the children’s book “In the Land of I Don’t Remember” that deals with the feelings of abandoned children. Proceeds from the book, along with corporate contributions from her father’s former business allowed Gabrielle and Alicia to move forward with their plans for the monument. Mrs. Castellano and Mrs.Ibanez, working closely with Mothers of the Disappeared, met with local artists to convey their vision for the monument. Gabrielle spoke to church and civic groups after hours from her legal clinic to garner support for this community event.

“My mother taught me that history is the memory of the people,” began Ms. Ibanez. “As one whose history began with “Los Desaparecidos” let our memories hold long and dear those who never returned. In our hearts and in our minds may they live on.” The Argentinian anthem played as Ms. Ibanez, her mother and grandmother unveiled the monument to the solemn crowd, who broke into shouts after a sustained silence. “Silence no more! Viva Los Desaparecidos!”