17 January 1817 marked the beginning of one of the most significant feats in Latin American military and political history: the Crossing of the Andes, led by General José de San Martín. Two hundred and nine years after that event, we commemorate a feat that not only secured the independence of much of South America, but also consolidated the Argentine Army as a symbol of courage, sacrifice and commitment to freedom.

With brilliant strategy and rigorous planning, San Martín and the Army of the Andes laid the foundations for the independence of Argentina, Chile and Peru, definitively inscribing themselves in history as an example of leadership, political vision and determination.

Considered one of the greatest military feats worldwide, the expedition mobilised nearly 4,000 combat soldiers, accompanied by some 1,400 men assigned to support tasks such as transport, supply and healthcare. The logistics also included 10,000 mules, 1,600 horses, food, weapons and ammunition, carefully organised to cope with the extreme conditions of the mountain range.

The operation was structured into six columns that advanced through different mountain passes with the aim of dispersing and confusing the enemy. The main columns crossed through the Los Patos and Uspallata passes. This strategy proved decisive for the success of the campaign. On 9 and 10 February, the army gathered at Curimón, in the Aconcagua Valley, and from there advanced towards the central Chilean valley. The surprise achieved by the manoeuvre led to victory in the Battle of Chacabuco on 12 February 1817, a fundamental triumph that paved the way for the liberation of Santiago de Chile.

The success of the Crossing of the Andes cannot be explained solely by tactical and logistical precision, but also by the moral strength of its protagonists. Despite the extreme cold, scarcity and difficulties of the terrain, the soldiers maintained their conviction to fight for a just and shared cause, reaffirming the collective nature of the feat.

209 years after that feat, the Crossing of the Andes continues to be a source of inspiration for entire generations. It represents the value of teamwork, strategic planning and the firm conviction that freedom and justice can be achieved even in the most adverse scenarios. Commemorating this feat is also a tribute to the homeland and to those who, with their courage and sacrifice, forged a free and sovereign America.