Until now the answer to that question was always what my parent's told me, "Everyday is Children's Day." But now that we are embracing the Paraguayan culture we have learned that today August 16th is Children's Day in Paraguay.
Why you ask? The story is actually quite tragic. We are remembering the infamous Battle of Acosta Ñu. In 1869 the war had already taken its toll on Paraguay the dictator Francisco Lopez needed younger and younger recruits for the his army, this particular battalion was made up of 3,500 children ages six to fifteen. Although the war was essentially over the Brazilian government wanted Lopez captured and on August 16th, 20,000 thousand men from Brazil's army obliterated the small Paraguayan battalion made up of mostly children.
So today we honor their memory (and pray our children will never be forced to take up arms to defend our country at such a young age) by celebrating the innocence of being a kid.
So Happy Children's Day to you!
Great holiday but it is SO very sad as to why they have the holiday in the first place.
ReplyDeleteSuch a sad and tragic event. I'm thankful that our kids get to be innocent. It's heart-breaking to see children in the street vying for a few pennies to take home to their parents so they will have their daily bread.
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting this to help us remember.