“I seek neither glory nor honors; I work only for the freedom of my homeland.”
General Martín Miguel de Güemes

Every June 17th, Argentina commemorates the passing of General Martín Miguel de Güemes, one of the leading figures in Argentine and South American independence. 205 years after his death, we remember his legacy of courage, dedication, and service to the nation.

Martín Miguel de Güemes played a decisive role in defending the northern border during the wars of independence. Leading the gaucho militias of Salta and Jujuy, he spearheaded the so-called Gaucho War—a resistance strategy that halted the advance of royalist forces from Upper Peru and helped safeguard the progress of the liberation campaigns led by General José de San Martín.

His actions were key to sustaining the cause of independence during one of the most difficult periods in the nation’s history. With scarce resources and facing successive invasions, Güemes organized an effective defense based on his knowledge of the territory, popular participation, and the determination of the gauchos who made up his forces.

On June 7th, 1821, he was wounded during a royalist raid on the city of Salta. Ten days later, on June 17th, he died at the age of 36, becoming the only Argentine general to fall in combat during the War of Independence.

In recognition of his legacy, Law No. 25,172 designated the date of his death as National Latin American Freedom Day, highlighting his contribution to the emancipation of the peoples of the Americas and his unwavering defense of the ideals of sovereignty and freedom. Likewise, Law No. 26,125 officially recognized him as a National Hero.

As we remember Martín Miguel de Güemes, we pay tribute to one of the key figures of our independence and reaffirm the values of courage, sacrifice, and love for the homeland that guided his life and work.