What date is written on the scroll in Guatemala's flag emblem?

The scroll in Guatemala’s flag emblem bears the date 15 September 1821. It marks Central America’s declaration of independence from Spain, a date central to Guatemala’s national symbolism.

The scroll forms part of the emblem placed on the flag’s white central stripe. It appears with the word “LIBERTAD” (“Freedom”), the resplendent quetzal, crossed rifles, crossed swords and a laurel wreath. Together, these elements represent liberty, national sovereignty, the willingness to defend the country, honor and victory.

Guatemala restored its blue-and-white national colors in 1871, arranging them vertically and adding a new coat of arms. The emblem was later regulated in greater detail, and a 1997 correction changed the spelling on the scroll from “SETIEMBRE” to “SEPTIEMBRE.” The date is sometimes confused with Guatemala’s flag-adoption date, 17 August 1871, but those are separate historical events.