Argentina National Day of Memory for Truth and Justice

Argentina National Day of Memory for Truth and Justice

March 24Argentina's National Day of Memory for Truth and Justice is a public holiday that commemorates all those who lost their lives or otherwise suffered under the National Reorganization Process, a military dictatorship that seized power in Argentina on March 24, 1976. The junta held power for eight years, and in that time, at least 30,000 citizens were kidnapped, tortured, and executed for their political views. Many of those detained by the secret police were never heard from again, nor were their bodies ever found. Even after democracy was restored, amnesty laws and pardons ruled out trials of those behind the atrocities for several years. The Day of Memory for Truth and Justice is meant not only as a day to remember the dead, but also as a day to continue to seek justice for the human rights violations that were committed during the years of military rule.
In 2006, the 30th anniversary of the coup, there were vigils to remember the dead and missing, as well as demonstrations calling for prosecution of the perpetrators. In Buenos Aires, President Nestor Kirchner unveiled a plaque bearing the words "Never Again." Photographs of some 3,500 of the victims were displayed, and plaques bearing the names of the dead and the missing were unveiled around the city. In Buenos Aires and around the country, art exhibitions, poetry readings, prayer services, and other cultural events are dedicated to remembering the events of March 24 and its aftermath. Argentines living in other countries may also gather on this day for cultural events honoring the victims of the coup and the years of atrocities that followed it.
CONTACTS:
Embassy of Argentina
1600 New Hampshire Ave. N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20009-2512
202-238-6400; fax: 202-332-3171
www.embassyofargentina.us