Wednesday, 23 March 2016

By Joana Farrel


Guam, the largest island in Micronesia, is fifteen hundred miles southeast of Tokyo and six thousand miles west of San Francisco. It has an area of 212 square miles, (550 square kilometers). A high limestone plateau forms the northern regions. The southern region is of volcanic origin, with a mountainous terrain of red clay hills, waterfalls, rivers, and streams.

Guam̢۪s original inhabitants are believed to be Indo-Malayan descendants from Southeast Asia, dating back to 2,000 BC. The cultural and linguistic practices of these groups are similar to people in the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia. The early society established by the Chamorro thrived because of advanced skills in hunting, horticulture and fishing. They were skilled craftsmen who specialized in pottery and weaving and were excellent seamen. The Chamorro were also praised for their Latte stone structures, which served as pillars for their elevated homes. Today, Latte Park displays this thousand year old structures, which are considered archeological treasures.

Today Guam is an unincorporated, organized territory of the United States. The people of Guam have been U.S. citizens since 1950. They have been represented in the U.S. Congress since 1973 by a nonvoting delegate, but they do not participate in presidential elections.

The Guam Flag was acknowledged by the Guam Congress on February 9, 1948. The Guam banner was composed in 1917 by Mrs. Helen L. Paul. Mrs. Paul was the wife of a US Naval Officer, The national banner of Guam was received in 1948. The Guam banner is comprised of a field of blue with a red fringe.

Amidst the blue field is the nation's emblem which is oval. The crest highlights a kayak cruising in Agana Bay close Hagatna; a coconut palm outlined against Two Lover's Point in Tumon Bay; and the name of the nation, GUAM in red letters.

The oval shape of the ensign refers to the ancient Chamorro sling stones that were used on the island. In 1930, the oval design was officially made the Great Seal of the Territory of Guam. The colors and the design of the Guam Flag have been borrowed from the United States flag. The Flag Company Inc specialized in flag designs offered a special edition of decals and flags to memorize for the future.




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