Colonel Belgrano created and hoisted for the first time our Flag on February 27th, 1812.
The exact point where the Argentinian flag was hoisted for the first time was a debate issue. General Belgrano, in times of the Independence War was in charge of guarding the Parana riverbank to avoid invasions from royal forces. In order to accomplish this mission, two defense units were created: one, on the banks near the church (the Cathedral today), which he named “Liberty”; and the other, on the other side of the river, on the Espinillo island, which he called “Independence”.
The discussions came to an end when a committee undertook a historical research in order to determine the accurate point where the first hoisting took place. Through neighbours’ accounts and historical documents, it was determined that the exact point is the place where Belgrano’s Crypt is placed in the Flag Memorial.
Letter of the General Manuel Belgrano to the Government.
Excellency Lord,
At this moment, that it is 6:30 of the evening, the Independence battery fired a salvo, and it shall remain with a competent crew for three cannons that have been placed, the ammunitions and the garrison.
I have disposed to enthuse the troops; and to the town dwellers, and forming the ranks, I spoke in the following terms, that I enclose:
Being necessary to hoist a Flag, And not having it, I ordered to make it white and light blue, in conformity with the colors of the national cockade. I hope that it meets your Excellency's approval.
God guards Your Excellency, Rosario on February 27, 1812.
Manuel Belgrano