Restoration of Independence flag stolen by MIR begins

SANTIAGO.- During its 190 years of existence, the flag that was used to proclaim the Independence of Chile in 1818 has played an important role in and has borne witness to several of the nation's most significant events.

The most intense incident –after surviving economic crises, changes in government and revolutions- took place in 1980, when the flag was stolen by members of the Leftist Revolutionary Movement (el Movimiento de Izquierda Revolucionaria, MIR) from the National History Museum.

Planned by Dolores Prats de Huici, the theft was designed to serve as a symbolic protest against the military regime of Pinochet.

When the flag was returned to its rightful location, it showed harsh signs of damage resulting from its nearly 200 years of history. Worn and soiled, the flag was unrecognizable, prompting President Michelle Bachelet to create the "Flag of Independence Restoration Project".

After performing the necessary tests, the flag's restoration began this morning and will take approximately one year as it goes through a process that will be documented by TVN in hopes that all Chileans will become familiar with the importance of the national emblem and its rich history.