Escape to Panama: January 9th is Panama Martyr’s Day. January 9 is a very important date for Panama as it paved the way for the dismantling of the U.S. military bases and the return of the Canal to Panamanian hands. Martyrs’ Day, as it is called, commemorates the January 9, 1964 riots over sovereignty of the Panama Canal Zone. The riot started after a Panamanian flag was torn down during conflict between Panamanian students from the National Institute and American pupils of the Balboa High School. The National Institute students were trying to hoist the Panamanian flag at the US school. Canal Zone Police officers tried to resolve the problems, but violence escalated. U.S. Army units became involved in suppressing the violence after Canal Zone police were overwhelmed, and after three days of fighting, about 21 Panamanians and four U.S. soldiers were killed. The incident is considered to be a significant factor in the U.S. decision to transfer control of the Canal Zone to Panama through the 1977 Torrijos–Carter Treaties. #keepwandering #wanderpanther #travelpanama