Argentina gifted this statue to the United States. It stands as a symbol of shared ideals. The General Jose de San Martin Memorial honors a South American hero.
General Jose de San Martin was a liberator. He fought for the independence of Argentina, Chile, and Peru. This memorial stands near the United States Department of State. It is located at Virginia Avenue and 20th Street N.W.
Augustin-Alexandre Dumont sculpted the General Jose de San Martin Memorial. Dumont began this project in 1924. The memorial is a replica. The original is in Plaza San Martin in Buenos Aires. Argentina gifted this statue to the United States. It was dedicated on October 28, 1925. President Calvin Coolidge spoke at the dedication. It was rededicated on October 6, 1976.
The General Jose de San Martin Memorial moved once. Originally, it stood in Judiciary Square. Metro construction forced its relocation in 1970. It was reassembled in Triangle Park in 1976. The new plaza was designed by a local firm.
Who was General Jose de San Martin? He was born in 1778. He is known as the liberator of Argentina and Peru. He spent much of his early life in Spain. There he became a respected soldier. In 1812, he returned to Argentina. He trained soldiers to liberate South America. His work is compared to George Washington’s. Both men fought for democracy, justice, and liberty.
Look at the plaque near the General Jose de San Martin Memorial. The plaque mentions San Martin’s role. He led an army across the Andes. He freed Chile and Peru. His name represents American ideals. These include democracy, justice, and liberty.
Two Argentinian presidents have honored San Martin here. Plaques commemorate visits by Raul Alfonsin in 1985. Another plaque honors Dr. Carlos Saul Menem’s visit in 1991.
The General Jose de San Martin Memorial is more than bronze and stone. It represents the bond between nations. It stands for the pursuit of freedom. It also honors a leader’s vision. Take a moment to reflect on these shared ideals.