 | |
| Banderan Guåhan | |
| Use | Civil and state flag   |
|---|---|
| Proportion | 22:41 |
| Adopted | February 9, 1948 |
| Design | A dark blue background with a thin red border and the Seal in the center. |
| Designed by | Charles Alan Pownall |
The flag of Guam was adopted on February 9, 1948.[1] The territorial flag is a dark blue field with a narrow red border on all sides. The red border – a later addition – represents the blood spilled during World War II and earlier Spanish sovereignty. In the center of the flag is the Seal of Guam; almond in shape represents the first thing seen for those born in Guam, it depicts a proa sailing in Hagåtña Bay near Hagåtña, and GUAM 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 the northern edge of Tumon.[4] Charles Alan Pownall, the military Governor of Guam, approved the design in 1948.[5]
As a complement to the Guam flag, and in response to Guam law providing for municipal flags, efforts were made to depict the culture of the island’s 19 municipalities on respective flag. This was collaborated through the Mayors' Council with the assistance of artist Gerard Aflague, a native of Guam. These municipal flags are to reflect unique aspects of each village.[citation needed]
- ^ "Guam Flag, Nylon (U.S. Territory)". Flag and Banner. Retrieved 12 February 2022.
- ^ Grabowski, John F. (1992). U.S. Territories and Possessions (State Report Series). Chelsea House Pub. Page 39. ISBN 9780791010532.
- ^ Kristen, Katherine (1999). Pacific Islands (Portrait of America). San Val. Page 46. ISBN 9780613032421.
- ^ "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.
- ^ Reynolds, Leslie; Deniz Smith (2 May 2009). "Guam Seal and Flag". Guampedia and University of Guam. Retrieved 2 May 2009.