“With Certain Heroes” Pays Tribute to Noel and

“With Certain Heroes” Pays Tribute to Noel and Olga Volunteers

Around 4,500 volunteers who worked to save the lives of the victims of Tropical Storms Noel and Olga in the Dominican Republic enjoyed a tribute in their honor last Tuesday with a live concert given by 18 musicians as well as the presence of the President of the Republic, Leonel Fernández.

The event began with the National Anthem led by veteran announcer and comedian Freddy Beras-Goico who later thanked all the volunteers for their daring and courage in facing the disaster. In a tearful voice, he said “ Dominican Republic, here are your heroes,” provoking a burst of applause and standing ovation from the public, according to a press release from the organization.

The international entertainers included Melina León, MDO, Lourdes Robles, Andy Montañez, Reily, Roberto Blades, José Alberto “The Canary,” Andy Andy. National musicians performing were Héctor Acosta “The Bull,” Sonia Silvestre, The Rosario Brothers, Sergio Vargas, Rubby Pérez, Carlos Alfredo Fatule, Kiko, “the president of the bachata,” Pavel Núñez, Joe Veras and Francisco Ulloa all participated in this grand show produced by Freddy Beras-Goico and José Antonio Rodríguez in the Virgilio Travieso Soto Sports Palace of Santo Domingo. 

Other artists participated through live video screens included Joan Manuel Serrat and  Joaquin Sabina, Milly Quezada, Silvio Rodríguez and Fito Páez, who sent their regards to the volunteers and praised their heroic acts.

Members of the local media like Tania Báez, Jatnna Tavárez, Milagros Germán, Nuria Piera, Jochy Santos and Rafael Corporán de los Santos who read biographical sketches of the volunteers in recognition of the heroism that turned them from anonymous to recognized heroes.

 The event was held exclusively for the volunteer members of the Civil Defense, COE, the Energy Sector, Firefighters, Telecommunications Sector, Personnel of the Department of Public Works, Armed Forces, Red Cross, Priest and Christians, Teachers, National Police, AMET and general volunteers.

The show was taped onto DVD and is being sold. All moneys collected from the sale of the DVD  will be donated to a special fund set up for volunteers in case of medical or natural disasters.