| Guam | |
| Nickname: | Chamorro: Banderan Guåhan |
| Use: | 110000 |
| Proportion: | 22:41 |
| Design: | A dark blue background with a thin red border and the Seal in the center. |
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.
The flag of Guam consists of a blue rectangle of 78inches by 40inches, trimmed on all sides with a 2inches wide red border.[6] The coat of arms in the center is twenty-four inches tall and sixteen inches wide.[7] [8]