The Soccer War
Clara recalls the Soccer War between El Salvador and Honduras, and staying behind with her children while her husband slept somewhere in the mountains.
Testimony Archive
The Unfinished Sentences Testimony Archive is composed of oral histories shared by 48 people who were residents of the community of Arcatao, in the department of Chalatenango, El Salvador, during the period of the Salvadoran civil war. More than 170 interview excerpts tell the story of the civil war from the perspective of people who experienced it first-hand. Interviews were conducted during November 2013 through August 2014. The testimonies are organized into thematic “Chapters” that focus on different aspects of the conflict in roughly chronological order.
Due to the nature of the experiences discussed in the testimonies, users may find the contents of the archive disturbing: topics include rape, torture, death, and severe hardship. On the other hand, the archive also features narratives of resilience, survival, and mutual assistance in triumphing over adversity.
Chapter 1: Pre-war & The Origins of the War
El Salvador’s civil war has its roots in the deeply unequal social structures established during the 16th century Spanish colonization of Central America.
Fishing on the Lempa River
Evangelina remembers her childhood days of fishing on the Lempa River.
Our Only Crime
Edwin explains how state respression of movements for change led to the decision to take up armed struggle.
Explore all videos in Chapter 1: Pre-war & The Origins of the War
Chapter 2: Rural Organizing & Repression
The 1970s saw escalating tensions and growing violence in El Salvador.
Persecution by the National Guard
Edwin relates how his family was persecuted by the National Guard, which led him and his younger brother to leave their school and home.
Paramilitaries
Celestino explains that the paramilitaries were the harshest forces during the war.
The First Bombings
Arminda remembers experiencing the first bombings as a child and being so curious she wasn’t even scared.
Explore all videos in Chapter 2: Rural Organizing & Repression
Chapter 3: The Years of "Guindas"
During the 1980s, thousands of people were displaced from their homes by violence in rural El Salvador.
The “May Guinda”
Toribio remembers how he and his family survived the 1982 “May Guinda”.
The “May Guinda”
Hermelinda remembers losing her children and three other close relatives during the “May Guinda.”
The “May Guinda”
Celestino remembers how he and his family survived during the “May Guinda” in 1982, when many died while attempting to cross the Sumpúl River.
Explore all videos in Chapter 3: The Years of "Guindas"
Chapter 4: Refugee Experiences
Faced with overwhelming violence, displaced populations faced difficult decisions about whether to leave El Salvador, and when to return. Some people sought safety elsewhere within the country.
Returning to Arcatao
Virginia describes life at the Mesa Grande refugee camp in Honduras, and her challenging trip back to Arcatao.
The Mesa Grande Refugee Camp and Resettlement of Arcatao
Eduardo describes life in the Mesa Grande refugee camp in Honduras and the resettlement of Arcatao.
Life in the Mesa Grande Refugee Camp
Élida explains how people were organized inside the Mesa Grande refugee camp in Honduras and describes her return to Arcatao.
Explore all videos in Chapter 4: Refugee Experiences
Chapter 5: Guerrilla Experiences
Salvadorans who supported the guerrilla groups had a wide range of reasons for doing so, and varied experiences in the movement.
Captured by the National Guard
Maximina recalls being ill in a guerrilla hospital when she was captured, then taken away in a helicopter, threatened, and transported to San Salvador to be interrogated.
Work of a Healthcare Worker
Margarita describes her work as a nurse in the Rama Caida camp.
Supporting the Civilian Population
Cástulo describes the kind of organized labor the guerrilla carried out during guindas in order to support the civilian population.
Explore all videos in Chapter 5: Guerrilla Experiences
Chapter 6: Resettlement & the "Desembarco"
Many Salvadorans returned from refugee camps in Honduras in the late 1980s, but faced continued repression upon their return. Refugees were stigmatized as guerrilla supporters.
Medical Care in the United States
Aníbal describes his trips to the United States to recieve medical care for his injured hands.
Initial Resettlements
Celestino reflects on one of the most moving moments of his life – the resettlement of the community of San José Las Flores.
The 1986 “Desembarco” Invasion: Combat
Adán relates the 1986 invasion of Arcatao and describes combat between the guerrilla and military.
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Chapter 7: Peace Accords & Post-War
El Salvador’s civil war officially ended in 1992, but the country continues to experience deep divisions and ongoing issues of inequality, insecurity, violence, and lack of access to justice.
The Peace Accords
Trinidad explains the military did not fully abide by the Peace Accords during the resettlment process.
Importance of Historical Memory
Trinidad explains why historical memory is so important to avoiding the repetition of history.
Message to Other Countries
Juana urges governments around the world to prevent the destruction and pain caused by war.
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Chapter 8: The Struggle for Justice
Today, survivors of grave human rights violations committed during El Salvador’s civil war continue to struggle for truth and justice.
Exhumations
Rosa comments on the importance of having the remains of her two grandmothers exhumed.
Achieving Justice
Edwin speaks of various means of achieving justice for survivors of the armed conflict.
Demanding Justice
Dionisa demands justice and accountability for those who committed crimes.
Explore all videos in Chapter 8: The Struggle for Justice