20/06/2026 03:13 - Actualidad
Estudiantes de cuarto grado con banderas argentinas realizando la Promesa de Lealtad en una plaza, rodeados de familias y docentes en una jornada emotiva con cielo celeste y blanco
On June 19, 2026, the eve of Flag Day, thousands of fourth-grade students experienced one of the most significant moments of their school journey: the traditional Promise of Loyalty to the Argentine National Flag. Simultaneous ceremonies across different provinces united educational communities in a shared feeling of patriotism and hope.
The Promise of Loyalty is a deeply rooted tradition in Argentine schools. Every year, close to June 20 (Flag Day), fourth-grade students—typically aged 9-10—solemnly pledge to "defend, respect, and love the flag." This ceremony marks a civic milestone in children's education, similar to how students in other countries might recite a pledge of allegiance.
But why June 20? This date commemorates the 206th anniversary of the death of Manuel Belgrano (June 20, 1820), the creator of Argentina's national flag—light blue and white with a golden sun at its center. Belgrano was a key leader of the Argentine War of Independence against Spain.
In the city of La Plata (capital of Buenos Aires Province, about 60 km southeast of Buenos Aires City), 1,052 fourth-grade students from public and private schools gathered at Plaza Belgrano to pledge their loyalty to the flag. Mayor Julio Alak and Buenos Aires Education Undersecretary Claudia Bracchi led the ceremony.
The event featured the Buenos Aires Youth Symphony Orchestra, performing "Mi Bandera" (My Flag) march and iconic songs from Argentina's World Cup victories.
Participating Schools:
In Mendoza City (capital of Mendoza Province, in western Argentina near the Andes), more than 750 students from 12 schools gathered at Plaza Independencia for the Loyalty Oath. Mayor Ulpiano Suarez hosted the ceremony, accompanied by Vice Governor Hebe Casado and Education Undersecretary Claudia Ferrari.
"This is the largest pledge ceremony held in recent years in the city. 47 years ago, when I was a student at Adolfo Tula School in La Consulta, I also experienced this beautiful tradition."
The event included Argentine Sign Language (LSA) interpretation and ended with an emotional collective shout: "¡Viva la patria!" (Long live the homeland!)
In Godoy Cruz (a district within Greater Mendoza), over 400 students from 15 primary and special education schools participated at the Villa Hipódromo Social and Sports Center. City Council President Ricardo Tribiño represented Mayor Diego Costarelli.
The Mendoza Police Band provided musical accompaniment. Education Director Claudio Dagne administered the pledge, emphasizing that the flag symbolizes freedom, justice, equality, peace, and solidarity.
In San Francisco (a city in Córdoba Province, central Argentina), fourth graders from Hipólito Bouchard School held their Promise of Loyalty. Mayor Damián Bernarte led the ceremony alongside municipal and educational authorities.
"Belgrano raised our Flag to give us identity, to differentiate us, but above all to unite us under a shared ideal. The light blue and white represents our sky, our mountains, and our seas, but also the working hands of our people and the dreams of each young person here today."
Note: Hipólito Bouchard was a French-Argentine naval officer who served under Belgrano and carried the flag on missions around the world.
June 20 is a national immovable holiday in Argentina. The flag's official design was approved by the Congress of Tucumán on July 20, 1816, and the Sun of May was added in 1818. Manuel Belgrano first raised the light blue and white flag on February 27, 1812, in Rosario.
Sources: El Día | Ciudad de Mendoza | Godoy Cruz | Radio Canal
Alfredo S. Quiroga
