An American Flag with 51 Stars | Welcome Puerto Rico!

Puerto Rico has voted to become the 51st State of The United States of America

The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico has officially voted to become the 51st State in our union, The United States of America. Considered a territory since 1947, this island has maintained a uniquely independent relationship to the US. The relationship between Puerto Rico and the US is layered with a very deep history both in its economical and military strategy. Not everyone agreed with the incorporation of US government on the island.

In 1948, a bill was passed, making it "illegal to display a Puerto Rican flag, to sing a patriotic tune, to talk of independence, and of course to fight for the liberation of the island" (click here). Obviously today, the Commonwealth is singing another tune with a majority vote of nearly 54% to become the 51st state in our union.

Back when the American Flag had 43 stars, 1890, we were a land-locked country. This was considered to put us at a military disadvantage. We began to negotiate methods to acquire the lands through the Caribbean. In 1898, the US invaded Puerto Rico. This was during the Spanish-American war. As a result, Spain succeeded Puerto Rico. Not only did the US secure a naval station, but we now had direct access to sugar, a commodity not available in the US. Thus Puerto Rico became a non-voting member of Congress. Currently the US has granted Puerto Rico the right to govern themselves. If Congress grants Puerto Rico's request, they will be a fully privileged State of the union.

Now the the question remains. How will we fit 51 stars on the flag of United States of America?What do you think of the picture we made above? Please respond with your comments.