Today marks another anniversary of the Ayacucho Squadron, an emblematic unit of the Mounted Grenadier Regiment created by General José de San Martín and guardian of a legacy that spans our history. Its name pays tribute to the heroic Battle of Ayacucho, fought on December 9th, 1824, 201 years ago, considered the last and most decisive confrontation in the struggle for South American independence.
On that historic day, 80 grenadiers under the command of Colonel Félix Bogado participated with courage, honoring San Martín's ideal of freedom and justice. Their actions not only consolidated South American emancipation, but also projected a symbol of unity among the nations that made up the independence coalition. Since then, the Ayacucho Squadron has kept that tradition alive, reflected in every ceremony, every formation, and every act of service to the homeland.
In 1907, by order of President José Figueroa Alcorta, the Grenadier Regiment was designated as the Presidential Guard Regiment, a role it has performed continuously for 118 years, establishing itself as a pillar of ceremonial and national security.
Currently, the Ayacucho Squadron honors the memory of the heroes of independence on a daily basis by performing essential tasks: it provides escort and security for the President of the Nation at the Government House; permanent custody of the remains of General José de San Martín in the mausoleum of the Metropolitan Cathedral; it raises and lowers the official flag of the nation in the historic Plaza de Mayo; it participates in formal ceremonies at the Casa Rosada and the Metropolitan Cathedral.
As part of the Regiment of Mounted Grenadiers, this unit not only commemorates the deeds that cemented our freedom, but also embodies the spirit of service, discipline, and honor that defines those who have chosen to guard the symbols of the nation.
201 years after the Battle of Ayacucho, we pay tribute to the members of the Squadron who, with commitment and professionalism, continue to safeguard our history and our institutional life.
