Day of Remembrance for Truth and Justice 2023: Date, History, Facts

The Day of Remembrance for Truth and Justice is a day of remembrance observed in Argentina on March 24 to honor the memory of those who perished during the “Dirty War” of state-sponsored terror. On this day, Argentinians, particularly those who lost loved ones during the military dictatorship of 1976 to 1983, demand justice for those who were killed and disappearances of over 30,000 people. The Argentinian government makes amends to these people — those who were injured and are still missing — by honoring their sacrifices and conducting a memorial service in their honor.

The background of Day of Remembrance for Truth and Justice

On March 24, 1976, the Argentine military seized control of the government, deposing President Isabel Perón. A new National Reorganization Process commanded by Lieutenant General Rafaél Videla has assumed control of the nation. This period is commonly known as the ‘Dirty War’ or ‘La Guerra Sucia.’

During their time in power, the military engaged in numerous violent suppressions of more liberal citizens. Included among those persecuted were socialists, journalists, artists, students, and other political organizations deemed a threat to the government. They prohibited books, music, films, plays, and periodicals that they deemed a threat to their rule. Families who opposed this rule had their children taken away and reared by families affiliated with the military. The official number of missing persons is 30,000, but various estimates conclude that this number could be significantly higher. It is difficult to obtain these figures, as the military administration destroyed all records at the time.

After seven bloody years, Argentina conducted democratic elections, bringing an end to the Dirty War. However, the grief of the lost children persisted and led to the formation of an organization known as Mothers and Grandmothers of the Plaza de Mayo or Las Madres y Abuelas de Plaza de Mayo. This group, composed of relatives of numerous war victims, vociferously demanded justice for their loved ones. While the new government made a few steps in the direction of justice, the trials and punishment of military leaders caused unrest in a country already ravaged by civil war. Consequently, official efforts fell short, and many criminals were not punished. This was deemed unacceptable by the Mothers and Grandmothers of the Plaza de Mayo, who increased their efforts to obtain justice for the missing. They protested by taking to the streets while wearing headscarves embroidered with the names of those they had lost in the conflict. In 2006, the Argentinian government proclaimed a memorial day for these victims, which is still observed today.

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5 INTRIGUING FACTS ABOUT THE DIRTY WAR

It was rumored that the military junta disposed of bodies by throwing them from aircraft into bodies of water.

When the Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo began their protests, government officials attempted to demean them by labeling them “las locas.” (madwomen).

In December 1977, the Argentine government attempted to suppress the Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo by kidnapping and murdering one of its founders.

The Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo took advantage of Argentina’s 1978 hosting of the World Cup by agitating at the event and garnering international attention.

Mary-Claire King, an American geneticist, developed a controversial method of matching the mitochondrial DNA of bereaved parents with the DNA of their missing children to help locate some of the missing children.

DAY OF REMEMBRANCE FOR TRUTH AND JUSTICE DATES

Year	Date	Day
2023	March 24	Friday
2024	March 24	Sunday
2025	March 24	Monday
2026	March 24	Tuesday
2027	March 24	Wednesday