Army Day or Día del Ejército is a national holiday in Guatemala, celebrated annually on June 30. The holiday commemorates the Liberal Revolution of 1871, when the forces led by Miguel Garcia Granados and Justo Rufino Barrios took over the capital, Guatemala City. This day marks the formation of the modern Guatemalan army which played a significant role in the shaping of the country.
On Army Day, various activities are organized throughout the country, mainly centered around military parades and exhibitions. These parades showcase the might and discipline of the Guatemalan military. Special commemoration services are held at war memorials and military cemeteries. It is common to see Guatemalan flags being flown in streets, on buildings, and in homes in honor of the army’s service to the nation.
While it is a day of pride and patriotism for many, the holiday also tends to attract controversy and protest due to the military's role in the civil war that took place in Guatemala from 1960 to 1996. Critics argue that the celebration glosses over the military's human rights abuses during this period. These differing opinions highlight the varying views of the Guatemalan Army and make Army Day a significant day for reflection.