The flag of the Dominican Republic, as described by Article 96 of the Dominican Constitution, features a centered white cross that extends to the edges and divides the flag into four rectangles —the top ones are blue (hoist side) and red, and the bottom ones are red (hoist side) and blue. A small coat of arms featuring a shield supported by a bay laurel branch (left) and a palm frond (right) is at the center of the cross; above the shield, a blue ribbon displays the national motto: Dios, Patria, Libertad (God, Fatherland, Liberty). Below the shield, the words República Dominicana appear on a red ribbon (this red ribbon is depicted in more recent versions as having its tips pointing upward -see image below-). In the center of the shield, flanked by three spears (two of them holding Dominican banners) on each side, is a Bible with a small cross above it, which is opened (according to popular belief) to the Gospel of John, 8:32, which reads Y la verdad nos hará libre (And the truth shall set you free). The blue on the flag stands for liberty. The white on the flag stands for salvation. The red on the flag stands for the blood of heroes.The civil ensign follows the same design, but without the charge in the center. The flag ws designed by the leader of the Trinitarians. He altered the layout of the blue and red of the Haitian flag, placing a large white cross over it to symbolize faith. To create distinct flags for state and civil use, the coat of arms, adopted in 1844, was placed on the state flag. The civil flag, on both land and sea, does not carry the coat of arms. The arms depicts a Bible open at the first chapter of St. John's Gospel. This is placed on a trophy of national flags, on a shield of the same design. The password of the Tritarian movement- Dios, Patria, Libertad ("God, Country, Freedom")is on the upper blue scroll. The lower red scroll contains the state title Republica Dominicana ("Dominican Republic").
