Saturday, June 14th is Flag Day in the U.S., but in Argentina, Cuba, and many other places in Latin America, June 14th was celebrated as the 80th birthday of Ernesto “el Che” Guevara. In Rosario, Argentina, a bronze statue of the legendary revolutionary was unveiled.

“I believe in the revolution, that’s why I love Che,” said Monica Nielson, 49, wearing a soldier’s beret with a single star like that worn by Guevara in a photo that turned him into a 20th Century icon.

Spanish language news shows in the United States, like Al Punto with Jorge Ramos, focused on conspiracy theories on who killed el Che. While a CIA backed operative in the Bolivian jungle is credited for the Guevara’s murder, some, including those that fought beside him, point the finger at the Fidel Catro led Cuban government.

The Argentine doctor, whose life has been immortalized in numerous films, including a Cannes award winning one, is credited as a key figure in the Cuban Revolution.

The Cuban commemorations included days of unpaid voluntary labor — something advocated by Che, who is remembered for toiling shirtless on building sites and cutting sugar cane.

Back at Guevara’s brithplace, el Che’s daughter, Aleida Guevara, who earlier this month criticized the commercialization and appropriation of her father’s image, was cheered when she appeared for the unveiling of the statue of her father.

“It’s good for me to see so many young people here. Monuments aren’t important, what matters is that we put Che’s beliefs into practice,” she said.

All the hipsters wearing Che emblazoned tees need to remember that.

Via / Reuters