Adopted in 1871; The Guatemalan flag has three equal vertical bands of light blue (hoist side), white, and light blue, with the coat of arms centered in the white band. The coat of arms includes a green and red quetzal (the national bird) representing liberty and a scroll bearing the inscription LIBERTAD 15 DE SEPTIEMBRE DE 1821 (the original date of independence from Spain) all superimposed on a pair of crossed rifles signifying Guatemala's willingness to defend itself and a pair of crossed swords representing honor and framed by a laurel wreath symbolizing victory. The blue bands stand for the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea and the sea and sky. The white band denotes peace and purity.