The "National Anthem of Honduras" (Spanish Himno Nacional de Honduras) was adopted under presidential decree 42 in 1915. The lyrics were written by Augusto Constancio Coello and the music composed by Carlos Hartling. In its entirety, the anthem is a brief chronology of Honduran history. The anthem consists of the chorus and seven verses. But, for official acts, only the chorus and the seventh are sung. The chorus, which is sung before and after the seventh verse, is a description of Honduras' chief national symbols, the flag and the coat of arms. The eighth verse, is a patriotic call to duty to Hondurans to defend the flag and the nation. By the time Hondurans complete their sixth year of elementary education, they will have memorized and been taught the meaning of all eight verses. Unofficially, the anthem is sometimes called "Tu bandera es un lampo de cielo" (Spanish for "Your flag is a splendor of sky") which is also the first line of the chorus. English Translation: English : CHORUS Your flag is a splendour of sky Crossed with a band of snow; And there can be seen, in its sacred depths, (repeat) Five pale blue stars. In your emblem, which a rough sea With its wild waves protects, Behind the bare summit of a volcano, (repeat) A star brightly shines. (repeat) Like an Indian maiden you were sleeping, Lulled by the resonant song of your seas, When, set in your golden valleys, The bold navigator found you; And on seeing, enraptured, your beauty, And feeling your enchantment, He dedicated a kiss of love to the blue hen Of your splendid mantle. CHORUS To guard this sacred emblem We shall march, oh fatherland, to our death; Our death will be honoured If we die thinking of your love. Having defended your holy flag, And shrouded in its glorious folds, Many, Honduras, shall die for you, But all shall fall in honour. CHORUS

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