MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

The train tragedy and patriotism in Cristina Fernandez Monday public program

The Monument to the Argentine flag in Rosario, next to the Paraná River

Argentine president Cristina Fernandez resumes her public agenda on Monday and there are great expectations since she will be heading a ceremony celebrating the 200th anniversary of the Argentine flag and it will be her first public exposure following last week’s train accident that left 51 dead and over 700 injured.

The ceremony and rally is scheduled for Monday 19.00 hours in the city of Rosario, next to the Paraná river, with only two speakers: governor Antonio Bonfatti from the province of Santa Fe, (seat of the monument to the flag), and the Argentine president.

This year not only was declared the bicentenary of the Argentine flag but also the “Year to Honour Manuel Belgrano”, who was the creator of the flag.

Following the accident last Wednesday President Cristina Fernandez declared two days mourning, suspended all public activities and on Friday left for her home residence in El Calafate, Patagonia

A huge rally is anticipated on Monday evening in Rosario when the Argentine president is also expected to make reference to the tragic accident and the government’s policy of concessions, given strong criticisms from the opposition and public opinion on the state of the railway system in Argentina.

As part of the bicentennial ceremony what is considered the longest flag in the world, 200 metres of white and sky blue, will be officially displayed at the rally carried by thousands of citizens in columns marching on to the Flag Monument from the north, south and west.

Last week, because of the accident the president cancelled a major ceremony at Government House to celebrate the 108 anniversary of the Argentine presence in Antarctica which was also expected to make reference to the Falklands and other South Atlantic Islands.