The national flag of Ecuador, which consists of horizontal bands of the Pan-Colombian colors of yellow (double width), blue and red, was first adopted by law in 1835 and later on 26 September 1860. The design of the current flag was finalized in 1900 with the addition of the coat of arms in the center of the flag. The three stars represent Guayaquil, Portoviejo and Machala. This was done by the creator of the flag to show his "honor and admiration" to the homeland. The Gran Colombian flag in turn was inspired by the flag of the First Republic of Venezuela, the first independent government of that nation.