The flag was first used on Dec. 22, 1895, when a group of Puerto Ricans gathered in New York City to show their support for independence for Cuba and Puerto Rico from Spain.

This would be very positive for taxpayers, the government and the United States. Puerto Rico, as the 51st state, would be a stable and productive entity instead of the now-impoverished territory.

Painter Héctor Collazo Hernández is painting the Puerto Rican flag in each of the island’s towns. His project, 78 pueblos y 1 bandera, seeks to turn abandoned buildings into tourist attractions.