Puerto Rico Day, Motto, and Nickname

TERRITORIAL DAY July 25 (Constitution Day) STATUS Official DATE OF ADMISSION TO UNITED STATES July 25, 1952 (as a commonwealth) FORMER DESIGNATIONS Borikén (indigenous Taíno) San Juan Bautista HISTORY During the Spanish-American War in 1898, the island of Puerto Rico was liberated from Spanish control. Following the war, the island was ceded to the United States by agreement. In 1917, the Jones Act was passed in Congress and the people of Puerto Rico became U.S. citizens. In 1952, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico was created, giving the people of the island nation autonomy with U.S. support. Since that time there have been attempts to have the island become the 51st U.S. state. However, each attempt has been defeated in favor of maintaining an autonomous commonwealth. MOTTO Joannes Est Nomem Ejus (Latin); Juan es su nombre (Spanish); "John is his name" This motto appears on the original coat of arms of the island that was first recognized by Spain in 1511. A reference to St. John the Baptist, or San Juan Bautista (Christopher Columbus' name for the island), it also appears on the seal of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. NICKNAME "La Isla del Encanto" ("The Island of Enchantment") Poets and writers have depicted Puerto Rico in a somewhat idealized manner throughout its history. Today, the people of the island have gone to great efforts to showcase its many natural wonders and the hospitality of the residents. -World Trade Press