In Peru, every June 7 its citizens celebrate Flag Day, a date that was established in 1924 —during President Augusto B. Leguia's term in office— to value this important national symbol.
June 7 is a date on which Peruvians commemorate Flag Day, as well as the Battle of Arica, which took place on June 7, 1880 —within the framework of the Pacific War between Peru and Chile.
At this battle, which ended up in the takeover of the city of Arica by Chile, the courage of those Peruvian heroes who sacrificed their lives to defend the country and the flag is remembered and commemorated.
Once Alfonso Ugarte, head of the Eighth Division, had seen his army cornered by the Chilean counterpart, he decided to jump off the Morro de Arica (Arica Hill) to prevent the National Flag from being captured by rivals.
In commemoration of the courage and honor with which Peruvian soldiers defended the country against the Chilean attack, even by giving their own lives before seeing the national flag in the hands of the neighboring country, this national symbol is celebrated on the aforementioned date.
Despite the fact that this celebration was established in 1924, it is known from said decree that the "Day of Oath of Allegiance to the Flag" had previously been established in Peru.
The celebration, which was established in 1905 during the administration of President Jose Pardo y Barreda (1864-1947), used to take place every first Sunday in June.
Executive vetoes holiday bill
Prime Minister Alberto Otarola made the announcement in remarks to reporters on June 2.
The Cabinet chief pointed out that this decision was taken in order to move the economic reactivation forward —a necessary process after the situations that have arisen in recent times.
"The best way to pay tribute to our flag is by working and laying the foundations for the economic recovery," he emphasized.
On April 27, during a plenary session, Parliament had approved declaring June 7 a national holiday.