Flag of Guam

Guam
Banderan Guåhan
UseCivil and state flag Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flagSmall vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag
Proportion22:41
AdoptedFebruary 9, 1948; 76 years ago (1948-02-09)
DesignA dark blue background with a thin red border and the Seal in the center.

The flag of the United States territory of Guam was adopted on February 9, 1948.[1] The territorial flag is dark blue with a narrow red border on all sides (border was a later addition). The red border represents the blood spilled in World War II and Spanish sovereignty. In the center of the flag is the seal; an almond-shaped emblem, which depicts a proa sailing in Hagåtña Bay near Hagåtña, and GUAM colored in red letters.[2][3] The shape of the emblem recalls the slingshot stones used by ancient Chamorro people. The landform in the background depicts the Two Lovers Point cliff on Guam.[4] Charles Alan Pownall, the military Governor of Guam, approved the flag's shape in 1948.[5]

As a complement to the Guam flag design, and in response to Guam law providing for municipal flags, efforts were made to depict the culture of each Guam municipality on their own flag. These efforts to design 19 unique municipal flags were collaborated through the Mayors' Council with the assistance of illustrative artist Gerard Aflague, a Guam born native. These municipal flag designs reflect unique aspects of each of Guam's municipal villages.

Construction details[edit]

The length of the marine blue portion of the flag is seventy-eight inches and the width is forty inches. Around each side of the flag, there is a two-inch deep red border, making the flag's overall length eighty-two inches and its width forty-four inches. The coat of arms in the center is twenty-four inches tall and sixteen inches wide.[6]

Former flags[edit]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Guam Flag, Nylon (U.S. Territory)". Flag and Banner. Retrieved 12 February 2022.
  2. ^ Grabowski, John F. (1992). U.S. Territories and Possessions (State Report Series). Chelsea House Pub. Page 39. ISBN 9780791010532.
  3. ^ Kristen, Katherine (1999). Pacific Islands (Portrait of America). San Val. Page 46. ISBN 9780613032421.
  4. ^ "Seal of Guam, Flag and anthem of Guam U.S.A." Government of Guam. Archived from the original on 2007-11-07. Retrieved 2007-10-21.
  5. ^ Reynolds, Leslie; Deniz Smith (2 May 2009). "Guam Seal and Flag". Guampedia and University of Guam. Retrieved 2 May 2009.
  6. ^ "Flag Laws of Guam". Flags of the World. 2000. Retrieved 2007-10-21.

External links[edit]