Government Flag of the Territory of Guam (1948)

Guam was annexed by Spain in the 16th century and then ceded to the United States after the Spanish-American War, at the end of the 19th century.

The Guam national flag is based around the Great Seal of Guam, designed and adapted as a flag in 1917.

The seal was inspired by a coconut palm that withstood a typhoon, which virtually flattened the island. It was growing on a point where the Agana River met the Pacific Ocean and was partially uprooted, but still upright and growing.

The flag was last modified on the 9th of February 1948, when a red border was added.

The Symbolic Meaning

The blue field represents the Pacific Ocean. The red border represents the blood shed by Guam inhabitants whilst under Spanish rule and during the Second World War.

The seal is the shape of a sling stone, used by the islands indigenous Chamorro people to hunt and fight and symbolises survival.

The coconut palm symbolises perseverance and sustenance. The seagoing canoe, called a flying proa, represents courage and freedom. The fresh water river flowing out to sea connotes Guam's willingness to share its resources.

In the background of the seal is Two Lover's Point, which represents faithfulness and commitment to future generations.