The national flag of Peru was designed by Jose de San Martin and contains horizontal red and white stripes with a shield in the middle. The white stripes symbolize purity and the red stripes symbolize the blood of soldiers who fought for independence. The national coat of arms depicts the quina tree, vicuña, and a cornucopia spilling gold coins representing natural resources. It symbolizes the country's abundant wealth, prestige, and pride in its mineral wealth. The national anthem was first publicly performed by Rosa Merino on September 23, 1821 in Lima. The lyrics were written by Jose Bernardo Alcedo.