National Mourning Day in Panama Date in the current year: December 20, 2025
The people of Panama commemorate the events of December 20, 1989, when the United States conducted Operation Just Cause and invaded Panama. The anniversary of this day is known in Panama as National Mourning Day.Operation Just Cause was the invasion of Panama by American troops to depose Panamanian leader and dictator Manuel Noriega and inaugurate President-elect Guillermo Endara. U.S. officials claimed the operation was carried out to protect American citizens on Panamanian territory.
The number of casualties on both sides is hard to estimate. The U.S. Army memo estimated the number at 1,000. The UN claims 500 civilian deaths, while American Watch put the number at 300. President Guillermo Endara said that fewer than 600 Panamanians died during the operation. Other sources estimate 2,500 to 3,000 deaths.
Memorial ceremonies are held annualy on December 20. Authorities, military and civilians lay flowers and wreaths at the monuments to the victims of the U.S. aggression.
- Category
- Public Holidays
- Country
- Panama
- Tags
- mourning day in panama, memorial day, operation just cause, observances in panama