The Great and Glorious Fifth
Meanwhile, a great change was taking place. In Europe, Napoleon had forced the King of Spain to abdicate. In Venezuela the people felt no longer bound in loyalty to the Spanish Crown. Miranda’s teachings had made an impression. The seeds of Patriotism which he had sown were taking root.
The Patriot Party in Venezuela grew strong. Young Simon Bolivar, a fiery Patriot, was sent on a mission to England. While there, he sought out Miranda. He invited him to return to Venezuela and help the Patriot cause.
So Miranda returned.
On the Fifth of July, 1811, a Congress representing the Venezuelan People, assembled and voted in the name “of the all-powerful God” a Declaration of Independence of the United Provinces of Venezuela, which by right and act became a free, sovereign, and independent State.
Miranda was one of the signers.
It was a great and glorious Fifth—like our Fourth—when Liberty enlightened that land. For it was the first Declaration of Independence in all Spanish America. And the brave delegates, who put their names to it, did so at the greatest risk of their lives; for Spain was still strong in Venezuela.
On that same day, the Venezuelan Congress adopted a flag for the Republic—the tri-colour, the Red, Yellow, and Blue, which Miranda had flown from the Leander.
Miranda was made Commander-in-Chief of the Patriot Army of Venezuela, and led it against the Spanish forces.