The Dominican flag is the ultimate symbol of patriotism, liberty, and national sovereignty for the Dominican people. Juan pablo Duarte, the country's founding father, conceived the original design and obtained approval for it from Los Trinitarios on June 16, 1838 -- Los Trinitarios, "The Trinitarians" were a clandestine political organization founded by Juan pablo Duarte, Francisco del Rosario Sanchez, and Ramon Matias Mella. Trinitarios were made up of thousands of secret cells composed of three individuals per cell. Each member was responsible for the recruitment of three new members. Los Trinitarios are credited, in no small measure, with the creation of the Dominican flag and the founding of the Dominican Republic.

The evolution of the Dominican flag has its roots in the French Revolution. The French flag, also known as the "Tricolor" for the blue, white, and red vertical bands that make up its design, was first introduced in 1789 as the symbol of a revolution for human rights, civil rights, and democracy. Ironically, the Tricolor flew over Hispaniola, not as a symbol of freedom, but as a symbol of oppression. At the turn of the 18th century, Hispaniola was France's most profitable possession in the West Indies.

On August 21, 1791 the Haitian Revolution began its struggle against the French occupation. African slaves lead a successful uprising to gain their freedom eventually forming their own country - Haiti. The Haitians create a flag of their own using the French flag as a model. They eliminate the white stripe, and place the remaining red and blue bands horizontally. The removal of the white stripe symbolizes the abolition of the White Man's control.

By the mid 1800's Dominicans, dissatisfied with the conditions under the Haitian government, begin their own struggle for freedom. The first version of the Dominican flag was born when Juan pablo Duarte modified the Haitian flag by superimposing a white cross over it. This design consists of two blue upper quadrants and two red lower quadrants with a white cross in the middle dividing them all. The first flag was fashioned by Ms. Concepcion Bona and Ms. Maria Trinidad Sanchez, among others. It flew for the first time on the day of Dominican independence, February 27, 1844.

The modern version of the Dominican flag can be traced to 1908 when the blue and red quadrants were placed in alternating positions. Each of the colors in the flag has its own significance. The blue signifies the expansive sky above our land; the red symbolizes the blood spilled by the heroes who gave their lives fighting for the freedom of their country, and the white represents the dedication and dignity of the Dominican people.

Never forget Los Trinitarios.