The eternal memory of a work of incalculable value is already present throughout Andalusia. It is an ode to professionalism, union, commitment and helping others; an ‘infinite applause’ that today closes a cycle in Seville. The Andalusian capital is the eighth and last city in which the Association of Marble Entrepreneurs of Andalusia (AEMA) and the Andalusian Regional Government inaugurate the iconic sculpture-homage to health workers and professionals who have fought and are fighting against the Covid-19 pandemic. Both the president of AEMA, Jesús Posadas, and representatives of the companies that have carried out the project, have been present at the inauguration ceremony held today together with the president of the Junta de Andalucía, Juanma Moreno and the Regional Minister of Health and Families, Jesús Aguirre. They were also accompanied by representatives of the State Security Forces and Corps, among other health, civil, military and academic authorities.
The initiative, requested by the Junta de Andalucía to AEMA, and whose presentation took place at the Palacio de San Telmo in June 2020, consisted of the donation of the stone, the elaboration and design of eight sculptures in the form of applause made in Blanco Macael marble. “What emerged as an idea and proposal of the Andalusian Government”, Jesús Posadas recalled during his speech at the ceremony, “became a reality thanks to the precious contribution of the sculptor Navarro Arteaga, author of the clay model that served as a reference for the stone carvings”.
The president has once again thanked the sculptor, as well as the companies of the Association of Marble Entrepreneurs of Andalusia, who “at a time of total uncertainty for our industry, dedicated themselves and were at the height of this project with the donation of the stone and the development of these sculptures, a work in which the Marble School of Fines has also participated”.
During his speech, the president of the Andalusian Marble Entrepreneurs reflected on the great proof that this pandemic has left us: “the value of unity, compassion, community responsibility and gratitude. And these four values, so important for society, I see them reflected in this sculpture, in its white marble”. With the sculpture, already present in the capitals of Andalusia, Posadas has thus addressed all the groups that motivated this project to become a reality. “Andalusian healthcare workers, those of you who have been face to face with the worst of fears: the fear of falling and being able to make your loved ones fall, but, nevertheless, you have been moved by will and professionalism.
THANK YOU for paddling as the waves come, THANK YOU for continuing to paddle. This recognition also goes to the tracers, epidemiologists, researchers, clinical microbiologists… whose story has been less told but whose great responsibility in this pandemic has led them to have endless work schedules and great personal and professional wear and tear.
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for the victims that, unfortunately, we have to count; for the families of all of them, who are always the support and refuge that gives us peace and encourages us to go on… And for our Minister of Health and Families, Jesús Aguirre, for his health responsibility towards all Andalusians. Today will be the last day that, behind this lectern, I will thank you, but I will always continue to do so”.
To conclude, the president of AEMA has made it clear that leaving in the capital of all Andalusians this symbol of struggle with the seal of the Macael Brand and the guarantee of its know-how, is an honor. “Far from the triumphalism of thinking that everything is over, we will continue to applaud, but also to take responsibility and learn that, from the great crises, there is always an opportunity to change and improve things, he said.
