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The design of the Commonwealth flag reflects the close ties that bound the Cuban and Puerto Rico patriots in the 19th century for the flag which waves over the Capital of San Juan is the Cuban flag color reversed. |
The
flag was first used on December 22, 1895. A group of 59 Puerto Ricans led
by Dr. Julio J. Henna, gather at "Chimney Corner Hall" in
Manhattan, New York City and organizes a political group, attached to the
Cuban Revolutionary Party, which advocated independence for Puerto Rico
and Cuba from Spanish rule. As part of their activities, a flag was
created to rally support for independence from Spain. The flag was soon
adopted as a national symbol. In 1898, the flag became the mark of
resistance to the US invasion; and in the 1930s it was adopted by the
Nationalist Party. When Puerto Rico became a Commonwealth in July 25, 1952
it was officially adopted as the national flag.
The
Puerto Rican flag consists of 5 alternate red and white stripes. On the
left of the flag is a single white five-pointed star resting in a blue
triangle. The symbolism is explained thus. The white star stands for the
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico while the three sides of the equilateral
triangle together represent the three branches of the Republican
government (executive, legislative and judicial branches). The three red
strips symbolize the blood that feeds those parts of the government. The
two white stripes symbolizing the rights of man and the freedom of the
individual, are a perpetual reminder of the need for vigilance of a
democratic government is to be preserved.
The flag is not flown except in company of the U.S. flag. Adopted in July 25, 1952.
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Red Stripes - stands for the "blood" that nourishes the three branches of our government; Legislative, Executive and Judiciary. White Stripes - represents individual liberty and the rights that keeps in perfect balance our form of government. Blue Triangle - stands for the "Republican Government", represented by the three branches. White Lone Star - represents "The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico". |
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Interesting
Fact Did
you know that the original design used a sky blue tone of the
triangle in the Puerto Rican flag? But when the flag was adopted
officially by the Commonwealth in 1952 it featured a dark blue
very similar to that of the US flag. This fact has raised many
issues whether to use a sky blue tone or a dark blue tone in the
flag. Recently, with the celebration of the flag's 100 anniversary
in 1995 the current administration displayed a flag with the
original sky blue tone. Some historians concluded that the reason
why a dark blue was used in the 1952 flag was related to the
origins of the flag and its relationship with a revolutionary
independence movement.
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