Lima’s Greatest Day — July 28, 1821, Peru’s Independence Day
It was Lima’s greatest day. It was the 28th of July. It was her Independence Day.
Flowers and perfumes were being showered down from palace-windows and balconies. They fell on the heads of San Martin and many officers, clergy, and officials who were marching through cheering crowds.
They marched to the great square, and mounted a platform. The troops were drawn up in the square.
The Declaration of Independence of Peru was read aloud.
Then San Martin, standing on the platform, unfurled the new flag of the Republic of Peru. As he shook out its scarlet and white folds on which was the face of the Sun rising over the Andes with a tranquil river at their base, he called in a loud voice:—
“From this moment Peru is free and independent by the common wish of the People, and by the justice of her cause, which God defend!”
Then waving the flag on high, he shouted:—
“Long live the Fatherland! Long live Liberty! Long live Independence!”
“Long live the Fatherland!” shouted the crowds, as they caught up his words and passed them along from the square to the streets beyond.
The bells of the city rang out a joyous peal. Cannon were fired. And such a roar of voices went up as was never heard before in Lima.
Then from the platform silver medals were rained down on the crowds. On each was inscribed:—
Lima, being liberated, swore its Independence on the 28th of July, 1821, under the protection of the Liberating Army of Peru, commanded by San Martin.
San Martin adopted the title of “Protector of Peru.” He took upon himself the temporary government of the country until its Independence should be assured.
“I do not want military renown,” said San Martin, “I have no ambition to be the conqueror of Peru. I want solely to liberate the country from oppression.”