Mausoleum of José de San Martín

In 1816, after more than two centuries of Spanish rule, the nation of Argentina declared its independence. One of the leaders of the independence movement was José Francisco de San Martín y Matorras, more commonly known as General San Martín. He fought in battles in Argentina, Peru, and Chile. The Argentine public has historically regarded him as a father of the independence movement. The government designates the third Monday in August as “San Martin” Day,and preserves his mausoleum in the cathedral of Buenos Aires. As the image illustrates, an Argentine flag lays over his remains, and two soldiers stand guard.