‘I serve the fatherland with no other object than to see it established; that is the prize to which I aspire’. General Manuel Belgrano

Every June 3rd is celebrated in our country the Day of the Argentine Soldier in commemoration of the birth of General Manuel Belgrano in 1770. This date was sanctioned on 11 May 1994 by Law N° 24.323, which recognises ‘the personnel of volunteer soldiers for their morale, ethics, spirit of sacrifice, dedication to work, comradeship and commitment to republican ideals and to the values that identified General Belgrano’.

Manuel José Joaquín del Corazón de Jesús Belgrano was born on 3 June 1770 in Buenos Aires. He was not only the creator of the flag but a multifaceted figure who left an indelible mark on the history of the Argentine nation. He was an economist, journalist, military man and one of the main patriots behind the May Revolution.

Belgrano actively participated in the wars of independence and led crucial military expeditions. He was at the head of the Army of the North and commanded the exodus from Jujuy. In addition to his military contribution, his legacy includes the promotion of freedom and the building of a nation based on democratic principles.

On this day, in addition to commemorating the birth of Manuel Belgrano, tribute is also paid to the Argentine soldiers who bravely defended Argentine sovereignty in the Argentine islands of the South Atlantic, seized by British forces in 1833. Special recognition to those who lost their lives in combat and today rest in the Argentine soil of Malvinas.

Integrity, patriotism, esprit de corps, discipline, loyalty, honour, courage, self-sacrifice are some of the values on which every soldier works to achieve military professionalism.

On the Day of the Argentine Soldier, we salute with deep respect the patriots who make up the Armed Forces of our country. We honour the soldiers who defend the interests of the Nation, contribute to its development and work in the tireless task of making Argentina great.