PANAMA CITY, PANAMA – The City of Knowledge Foundation (Fundación Ciudad del Saber) held its traditional Flag Planting ceremony on the morning of Thursday, October 23, 2025. The symbolic event, a tradition for over two decades, pays homage to the patriotic gesture of May 2, 1958, when a group of Panamanian students staged “Operation Sovereignty” by planting 75 national flags in the former Canal Zone.
The ceremony serves as an annual tribute to the student-led protest against U.S. control over the Canal Zone area. This act of civil disobedience became a pivotal moment in Panama’s long journey toward full sovereignty over its territory. The modern ceremony at Ciudad del Saber, a hub for education and innovation, is held on the very grounds where the historical event unfolded.
Historical Legacy Celebrated on Former Military Base
The event featured former President of the Republic, Mireya Moscoso, as the keynote speaker and honor guard of the ceremony. In her address, she highlighted the profound transformation of the site from a U.S. military base to a center for knowledge and progress.
“The City of Knowledge stands as a national success. We must never forget our vocation as Panamanians that here, where martial orders were once heard, ideas have resonated for 26 years. Where soldiers were once trained, today scientists, thinkers, artists, and committed citizens are formed,” Moscoso emphasized during her intervention. [Translated from Spanish]
Jorge Arosemena, Executive President of the City of Knowledge Foundation, underscored the importance of maintaining this tradition as an act of reflection, unity, and historical responsibility. He connected the symbolic act of the past with the present-day mission of the institution.
A Message of Peace and National Commitment
The ceremony concluded with the traditional unfurling of Panamanian flags across the campus, which will remain on display throughout the rest of October and all of November. This visual display serves as a powerful reminder of the nation’s history and its contemporary values.
“These flags that will wave during the rest of October and all of November send a clear message: Panama believes in peace, coexistence, and respect among nations. There is no greater bet than that of a peaceful and prosperous country, committed to its sovereignty and the well-being of all people,” stated Arosemena. [Translated from Spanish]
The activity honored the memory of the students who led the original Operation Sovereignty, ensuring their courageous act is not forgotten by new generations. The event was accompanied by artistic presentations from the Moisés Castillo Ocaña School Music Band and the City of Knowledge Folkloric Ensemble, blending patriotic remembrance with cultural celebration.
The City of Knowledge Foundation continues to use this annual ceremony to reinforce its core mission, fostering a environment where Panama’s hard-won sovereignty is the foundation for future innovation and development. The event solidifies the organization’s role as a custodian of national memory while driving the country forward through education and science.