Today we commemorate the National Shield Day, remembering its official adoption in 1813 by the Constituent General Assembly. This emblem, together with the flag, the anthem and the cockade, is one of the four national symbols that represent our identity, independence and freedom.

This emblem is a faithful reproduction of the seal used by the Sovereign General Constituent Assembly of the United Provinces of the Río de la Plata. Before 1813, the official documents of the Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata used the Spanish royal arms. The need for a symbol of its own led to the creation of the National Coat of Arms, adopted by the Assembly of Year XIII on March 12, 1813.

The exact origin of the design of the coat of arms is not documented with certainty. Some versions attribute it to Antonio Isidro de Castro, while others relate it to Bernardo de Monteagudo. Its design bears an obvious resemblance to a coat of arms used during the French Revolution, suggesting that it may have served as an inspiration.

It was in 1944 when the National Executive Power, by means of Decree 10.302, made official the adoption of the seal of the Assembly as a representation of the National Shield, granting it uniformity and reaffirming its character of national emblem.

The National Shield has an oval shape divided into two fields: the upper one in blue and the lower one in white. In the lower part, two right hands are clasped, symbolizing the union of the provinces. Above them, a pike holds a red Phrygian cap, emblem of freedom and the willingness to defend it. At the top, the Sun of May, with 32 alternating straight and flaming rays, represents the emergence of a new nation. The shield is surrounded by two laurel branches, symbol of victory and triumph, tied at the base by a ribbon with the national colors.

This patriotic symbol is present in different areas of the Casa Rosada, reflecting its importance in our history. In the White Room, a bronze sculpture represents the bust of the homeland, crowned by the coat of arms and flanked by angels holding trumpets of glory. In addition, the Casa Rosada Museum exhibits a painting that reveals the ancient design of the shield, allowing visitors to appreciate its evolution over time.

More than just an emblem, this national shield embodies our history, values and aspirations as a country. It represents the struggle for independence and the search for freedom. In each of its elements are reflected the principles that guided the heroes of our history and that are still valid in the construction of today's Argentina.