Soldier's Day in Brazil
August 25 · Level 7 · #866 of 2238
Soldier's Day is when Brazil thanks the men and women of its armed forces for their service. It falls on 25 August, the birthday of the Duke of Caxias, patron of the Brazilian Army.
How it is celebrated: barracks and garrisons hold formal ceremonies, wreaths are laid at monuments to the Duke, and in some units new recruits take their oath on this day.
Luís Alves de Lima e Silva was born in 1803 and later commanded Brazilian forces in the war against Paraguay. He was also nicknamed "the Pacifier" for his role in ending internal revolts.