A national holiday in Costa Rica, Juan Santamaria's Day is held to commemorate the death of the soldier who is officially recognized as the national hero. He is considered so because it is believed that on April 11, 1856 Santamaria single handedly turned back an invasion and in the process lost his life. His action contributed to a Costa Rican victory which would lead to the nation becoming a free and independent country. Juan Santamaria is honored by two statues in Costa Rica: one in Alajuela and the other in front of the Congress in San José. The main international airport in Costa Rica is also named for him.