Thousands gather in Argentina to mark Peronist Loyalty Day

By Bala Chambers

BUENOS AIRES (AA) - Thousands of people gathered Monday in Argentina to celebrate Peronist Loyalty Day, which is marked every year on Oct. 17 to remember a massive protest in 1945 that helped free from prison Labor Minister Juan Domingo Peron, who went on to become president and one of the country’s most influential political leaders.

Across Argentina, Peronist supporters gathered to celebrate the day with various events.

Thousands of people descended on the nation's capital, Buenos Aires, close to the presidential palace in Plaza de Mayo Square, with many displaying banners and flags in what was a lively and colorful demonstration.

There were also messages of support for former President and Vice President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, who had been the target of an assassination attempt in September.

Members of more than a hundred organizations gathered in the square as traders sold a range of traditional Argentine meats as well as products displaying the faces of Argentina's most influential Peronist political leaders.

Peronist supporters listened to a range of speeches by political figures and social leaders touching on themes of national unity and social justice.

Argentina's President Alberto Fernandez did not attend the celebrations after inaugurating a highway, but the Peronist leader took to social media to mark the day.

"Better than saying is doing, #BetterthanPromisingisDoing. We are proud to celebrate this #17ofOctober by fulfilling the maxims of Peronism," Fernandez wrote on Twitter.

Across Argentina, observers of Loyalty Day recall the historic demonstrations driven by Argentina's powerful labor unions that helped pave the way for Peron's release from prison and his ascent to the presidency.

Today Peronism, based on the ideas and legacy of Peron, is widely regarded as a branch of Argentine politics that draws heavily on social justice by championing workers’ rights, supporting labor unions and focusing on national industry.

Peronism continues to unite various sectors of Argentine society as an influential social and political movement.