Adopted in 1908; The flag of the Dominican Republic has a centered white cross that extends to the edges divides the flag into four rectangles - the top ones are blue (hoist side) and red, and the bottom ones are red (hoist side) and blue. A small coat of arms featuring a shield supported by a laurel branch (left) and a palm branch (right) is at the center of the cross. Above the shield a blue ribbon displays the motto, DIOS, PATRIA, LIBERTAD (God, Fatherland, Liberty), and below the shield, REPUBLICA DOMINICANA appears on a red ribbon. In the shield a bible is opened to a verse that reads "Y la verdad nos hara libre" (And the truth shall set you free). Blue stands for liberty, white for salvation, and red for the blood of heroes.