Every November 20, Argentina commemorates National Sovereignty Day, in honour of the Battle of Vuelta de Obligado, in which the troops of the Argentine Confederation confronted an armada of English and French ships in defence of independence and control over the country's resources.

In 1845, the Anglo-French army attempted to impose its military and commercial might by raiding the Paraná River with the intention of colonising and opening markets for its products. However, the Argentine forces managed to resist.

In a narrow bend of the Paraná, in the Buenos Aires district of San Pedro, the national troops deployed a defensive strategy that included laying thick chains to block the passage of enemy ships, supported by batteries of cannons placed on the cliffs. The Argentine forces, although numerically inferior and less well-equipped, fought the invaders for more than seven hours, managing to prevent them from occupying the coast and guaranteeing control of the territory.

Despite the superior weapons of the Anglo-French fleet, it was unable to consolidate its objectives. The national troops managed to defend the territory.

This episode was more than a battle: it was a symbol of unity, resistance and defence of national sovereignty. Eventually, hostilities ended with the signing of a peace treaty that recognised Argentina's right over its inland rivers.

The relevance of this battle was highlighted in 1974, with the declaration of 20 November as National Sovereignty Day.

Sovereignty not only implies defending territory, but also maintaining the country's political, economic and cultural independence.

Today, the Vuelta de Obligado not only represents the memory of those who gave their lives for the country, but also reminds us of the importance of defending our territory and our freedom as a people.