Flag Day - Peru

June 7 is Flag Day in Peru, the homeland of my sister-in-law. The date was chosen because the Battle of Arica took place on June 7, 1880. The battle was part of the War of the Pacific, in which Peru and Bolivia fought against Chile. Colonel Alfonso Ugarte y Vernal died during the Battle of Arica, after he rode his horse off a cliff to prevent the Chileans from capturing the Peruvian flag.

The Peruvian flag is red and white. Red represents the blood spilled during Peru's fight for independence, and white represents bravery and peace.

Flag of the State of Peru. Republic of Peru - Republica del Peru (National Emblems of Peru - National Flag (State)) [Public domain]. Available from Wikimedia Commons.

The national ensign or state flag is used by state institutions. It is the flag that is used when the flag is hoisted during ceremonies.

Civil flag of Peru. Image by David Benbennick (Peru) [Public domain]. Available from Wikimedia Commons.

The national ensign or civil flag of Peru is used by citizens.

War flag of Peru. Republic of Peru / Republica del Peru [CC BY-SA 2.5 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5)]. Available from Wikimedia Commons.

The war flag is used by Peruvian military and national police.

Naval jack of Peru. Image by Denelson83 (Own work) [Public domain]. Available from Wikimedia Commons.

The naval jack is used on battleships.

Flag raising ceremonies are held on Flag Day. The military march Marcha de Banderas is sung as the flag is hoisted.

References
Alfonso Ugarte
Alfonso Ugarte, Peruvian Hero of the War of the Pacific 
Flag Day in Peru
Flag of Peru
War of the Pacific 

Mappy Monday: Provinces of the San Martín Region in Peru

Provinces of the San Martín region in Peru. By AgainErick (GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html) or CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/)]. Available from Wikimedia Commons.

This map shows the provinces of the San Martín region in Peru. My sister-in-law's mother's side of the family is from Saposoa, which is in the province of Huallaga.

Fiestas Patrias

José de San Martín proclaims the independence of Peru in 1821. Painting by Juan Lepiani, 1904. Photographic reproduction by Discjockey. Public domain. Available from Wikimedia Commons.

The Fiestas Patrias are the national holidays celebrating Peru's independence from the Spanish Empire. July 28 commemorates Peru's independence (which was proclaimed by José de San Martín on 28 July 1821), and July 29 honors Peru's armed forces and national police. These holidays are very important in Peru, and many people take long weekends to celebrate.

On July 28, the day begins with a 21-cannon salute. There is a flag-raising ceremony, and the president of Peru gives an address about the state of the nation. A military parade is held on July 29. The Peruvian flag is displayed throughout the month of July.

I do not have Peruvian ancestors, but my sister-in-law is from Peru.

References
Fiestas Patrias (Peru)
Peruvian Independence Day
10 Ways to Celebrate the Fiestas Patrias of Peru in Lima

Peruvian Armed Forces Day

Minister of Defense Pedro Cateriano Bellido participated in the celebratory events for the 36th anniversary of the Peruvian Armed Forces. President of the Council of Ministers, Juan Jiménez Mayor, presided over the main ceremony. 24 September 2013. Photo by Galeria del Ministerio de Defensa de Perú CC-BY-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)]. Available from Flickr and Wikimedia Commons.

On 24 September 1977, Día de las Fuerzas Armadas del Perú (Peruvian Armed Forces Day) was established by Supreme Decree Nº 003-77- CCFFAA. The Virgen de la Merced (Virgin of Mercy) was consecrated as patron of the military, and became the spiritual guide to the soldiers of Peru.

El Comando Conjunto de las Fuerzas Armadas del Perú (Joint Command of the Armed Forces of Peru) was created on 1 February 1957 when Supreme Decree Nº 002-GM/1 was approved.

The Peruvian Army is divided into four military regions with headquarters in Lima, Arequipa, Iquitos, and Piura. Each region has brigades which include armored, cavalry, and infantry.

The Peruvian Navy is divided into five naval zones with headquarters in Lima, Arequipa, Iquitos, Piura, and Pucallpa. Its troops are divided between Pacific Operations, the Amazon Operations General Commands, and the Coast Guard. The gun cruiser BAP Almirante Grau (CLM-81) is the flagship of the Peruvian Navy.

The Peruvian Air Force is divided into six wing areas with headquarters in  Lima, Arequipa, Chiclayo, Iquitos, Piura, and Rioja.

The National Police of Peru is sometimes classified as a military service because it has land, sea, and air forces which are used for anti-terrorism.

Ceremonies are held to commemorate Armed Forces Day. The day's activities may include Mass, a procession, addresses by officials (including the Chief of the Joint Command of the Armed Forces, the Minister of Defense, and the President of Peru), and a minute of silence in remembrance of those who gave their lives in service.

My sister-in-law is from Peru.

Minister of Defense Pedro Cateriano Bellido participated in the celebratory events for the 36th anniversary of the Peruvian Armed Forces. President of the Council of Ministers, Juan Jiménez Mayor, presided over the main ceremony. 24 September 2013. Photo by Galeria del Ministerio de Defensa de Perú. Photo by Galeria del Ministerio de Defensa de Perú [CC-BY-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)]. Available from Flickr and Wikimedia Commons.

References
Armed Forces Day marked in capital of Peru
Ceremonia por el Día de las Fuerzas Armadas en Pucallpa
Día de las Fuerzas Armadas
Día de las Fuerzas Armadas del Perú
Joint Command of the Armed Forces of Peru
Marina de Guerra del Perú participó en ceremonia central por el Día de las Fuerzas Armadas y en Misa Te Deum
Ministro de Defensa y Jefe del CCFFAA asisten a la Ceremonia Central por 36° Aniversario del Día de las Fuerzas Armadas
Peruvian Armed Forces