The flag of Argentina was designed by military leader Manuel Belgrano in an effort to differentiate between the Argentine armies and the Spanish, who had both used the colors yellow and red. The flag of Argentina was raised for the first time on February 27, 1812, in Rosario, Argentina, during the country's war for independence. This flag featured the light blue and white bands, but the sun was not added until 1818. The national flag of Argentina was officially adopted on July 20, 1816.
