JangogoestoVilaMilitar

February 21, 1964

Francis Duarte

It was around 10 a.m. when the president of the Republic entered Vila Militar, more precisely the headquarters of the 1st Infantry Division. Jango was happy, but the military men not so much. At the lunch held at the Sampaio Regiment barracks, celebrating the 19th anniversary of the capture of Monte Castelo by the Brazilian Expeditionary Force, the president was received by the ministers of the three branches – Navy, Army, Air Force – and by other generals, such as General Armando de Morais Âncora, commander of the 1st Army. Jango revealed his commitment to resolving the issues of lack of weaponry and pay for the Armed Forces, highlighting the confidence he had to push forward structural reforms.

Minister of War Jair Dantas Ribeiro toasted the government and, invoking the conquest of Monte Castelo, reaffirmed the Brazilian tradition of fighting totalitarian regimes, both leftist and rightist, emphasizing the importance of leading free men. Dantas expressed hope for harmony between the government and the Armed Forces, aiming for a stronger and more independent Brazil.

Jango emphasized his commitment to the military and cited the recent acquisition of 50 thousand "Nato"-type rifles, as well as the fact that the equipment needed for their domestic production was arriving from Europe. He reiterated the need to replace the old social structures, which reinforce inequality, through the base reforms, and closed by saying that he had confidence in the Armed Forces.

Image description: This is a black-and-white photograph showing a gathering of people in an indoor venue. On the left side, we see two men wearing military uniforms. In front of them is a smiling man, also in military uniform, talking with other individuals. In the background, there are more people, some also in military uniforms, while others are wearing suits. Everyone appears to be in a social or official setting.