The Dominican Republic declared its independence from Haiti on February 27, 1844

On behalf of the board of directors of La Casa Dominicana NJ, Luis Rodriguez, President/CEO of the organization sent his congratulations to all the quisqueyanos as you celebrate the 179th anniversary of his independence on Monday, February 27, 2023. The campaign for the independence of the Dominican Republic began in 1831 under the leadership of Juan Pablo Duarte, who formed a secret society named The Trinity. Thirteen years later, he succeeded in commanding a decisive uprising which resulted in independence for the Dominican Republic. After the long and hard campaign for freedom had ended, a ceremonial musket shot fired on February 27, 1844 marked the Dominican Republic's first official Independence Day. Although we Dominican people celebrate our Independence Day on February 27th every year, the whole month of February is known as “Patriotism Month.” Celebrations start on January 26th, with the commemoration of the birth of national hero and founding father Juan Pablo Duarte. Today It is with great joy, privilege, and honor that we make our flag raising and celebrate the 179th anniversary of the declaration of independence of the Dominican Republic with our brothers, sisters and friends. On this date, all Dominicans around the world feel closer to their homeland, although far. This is an occasion to honor the rich history and culture of the Dominican Republic and the many accomplishments of the Dominican people. Dominican Republic’s National Symbols: The Dominican Republic’s national symbols include their flag, coat of arms, and national anthem. Let’s learn more about each one of them The flag: was the idea of Dominican national hero Juan Pablo Duarte, and designed by two women: Concepción Bona and Maria Trinidad Sanchez. It was flown for the first time in 1844. The design of the flag introduces a white cross in the center, and four rectangles in dark blue and red. In the center of the cross appears the Dominican Coat of Arms. The Coat of Arms Designed by Dominican politician, Casemiro Nemesio de Moya, the official Coat of Arms of the Dominican Republic features a shield with the combination of colors of the flag (blue, red, and white), with six spears, a yellow cross, and a Bible opened to John 8:32: “Y la verdad os hará libres” (And the truth shall make you free). A laurel branch and a palm frond are on either side of the shield. Below it, a red ribbon bears the name of the country in yellow, and above the shield, the national motto: Dios, Patria, Libertad (God, Fatherland, Liberty). The National Anthem The Dominican Republic’s national anthem was composed in 1882 by Emilio Prud’Homme (lyrics) and Jose Rufino Reyes y Siancas (music). However, due to political infighting it wasn’t officially adopted until 1934. An interesting fact about the anthem is that there’s no use of the Spanish name of the country República Dominicana, nor of the Spanish demonym for Dominican people dominicanos. However, Quisqueya, the indigenous word for the island, and its demonym quisqueyanos are used several times. This reflects the anti-Spanish sentiment of the age, when most newly independent nations in Latin America saw Spain as a threat and their enemy. On this 179th anniversary of Dominican independence, Luis Rodriguez, President/CEO of La Casa Dominicana NJ reaffirms his best wishes to all his compatriots. Dios, Patria y Libertad