Spain returns 2 independence war flags to Mexico on 200th anniversary of rebellion’s start

Spain returns 2 independence war flags to Mexico

MEXICO CITY — Spain has returned to Mexico two 19th century flags carried by Mexican independence war heroes.

Mexican President Felipe Calderon presented the flags in a military ceremony Monday and said they were the first patriotic symbols the country had.

One of the flags has the Virgin of Guadalupe, Mexico’s patron saint and the symbol used by Miguel Hidalgo, a priest who launched the 1810 revolt against Spanish rule. The other shows Saint Gabriel.

Calderon says the flags were ordered made by independence hero Ignacio Allende and were taken to Spain after being captured by Spanish troops in 1811.

Calderon says getting the flags back will help Mexicans celebrate the 200th anniversary of the beginning of the war of independence.