Daniel Otero You can’t spend any time in the U.K., especially in England, without noticing and learning about Guy Fawkes Day, if you live there for more than a year. “Bonfire Night” (November 5 ) is one of the main events and of course, it’s in the memory of Guy Fawkes which comes to mind on this day! Fireworks and bonfires arise to light up the sky and the children come out masked, “Begging a penny for the poor guy (bloke)!” It almost has a kind of Halloween sensation, but with a real life character in all its “englishness” and historical connotations. Fawkes was a soldier, mercenary, warrior, man of old and a terrorist, a recalcitrant Catholic who was persecuted in his own country for his beliefs. Therefore, he went to fight on behalf of others (such as the Spanish Empire) against the English. However, he wanted to push his views in the most negative way possible, through terrorism, using his personal extremist religion to eliminate a Protestant King and place a Catholic one in power. For Fawkes was the one who wanted to blow up the Houses of Parliament (London) in 1605 and kill King James I. After being caught, Fawkes was later sentenced to be executed for his crime. He never reached the gallows. Historians differ, for he was either pushed or jumped to his death from the structure. Some say that his punishment befitted his transgression, the placing of 36 barrels of gunpowder under the Parliament building and palace of Westminster. The problem with Fawkes wasn’t his religion or belief, since most Catholics were pacifists! It was in the violent nature of the way he pursued and pushed his ideas. One has to wonder, why would a culture that honors king, queen and country, honor a terrorist like Fawkes? Fawkes was an exceptional character in the history of England, a man of his time who fought for his beliefs. I wish more men would have the gumption to stand up for their beliefs in contemporary times! And he still stands out after his death, 400 years later, a man who in principle believed in the cause to place a Catholic king on the throne, a papist through and through. But his execution would later serve as a stark warning for those who dared make attempts against the traditionalist culture of the crown. Presently, when November 5 comes along, you’ll hear voices and songs along the way, people parading and gathering in song in unison. The spirit of bonfires throughout the U.K. (most importantly through England) is alive and well, as Fawkes is still remembered and not easily forgotten. As loud voices clamor, “Remember, remember November 5! Gunpowder, treason and plot! I see no reason why gunpowder treason, Should ever be forgotten.” Certainly, Fawkes as the man has never been forgotten and every evening on November 5, bonfires are lit! It is a way to enjoy and recall what time never forgot! | 