The Great Seal of Guam at ns.gov.gu

Click Original Blueprint of Guam Flag to ENLARGE!

Click Original 1930 letter of Registration!

On July 4, 1917, Gov. Roy C. Smith approved the plan, and two days later, the flag was unveiled for the first time at a Hagåtña parade.

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Guam Flag

The original site of the Great Seal of Guam was in Anigua (near Corn Bldg) where the Agana River emptied into Agana Bay. After WWII, the River was diverted and its mouth is adjacent to Paseo de Susana.

Taken from the center portion of the Guam Flag, Governor Roy C. Smith approved the design as the "Official Coat of Arms" for the territory of Guam on July 4, 1917. April 4, 1930 was the formal adoption date of the official Seal of the Territory of Guam, under the administration of Governor Willis W. Bradley Jr. who changed it from one with an eagle on it.

The Seal was designed in the city of Agana from a scene where the diverted Agana River formerly empties into the Philippine Sea in a spot known as the Navy Yard Reservations. Following a disastrous typhoon which left only a coconut tree standing, this setting inspired the design for the official Seal of Guam. The shape of the Seal represents the shape of the slingstone that the ancient Chamorros used for survival. The coconut growing in the unfertile sand depicts determination. Although partly uprooted during the recent typhoon, as if in utter defiance to all adversities, this tree with trunk partly bent, turned its open fronds toward the sky and continued its growth.

According to the Organic Act of Guam 1GCA, Chapter 4, Sections 410 and 411, "The Lieutenant Governor of Guam shall have custody of the Great Seal of the territory of Guam," thus the Lieutenant Governor is the official "keeper" of the Seal.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FLAG'S SYMBOLS: The shape of the seal is that of a Chamorro sling stone used as a weapon for warfare and hunting. The sling stone was quarried from basalt and coral. The Coconut Tree, growing in unfertile sand, symbolizes self-sustanance and determination to grow and survive under any circumstance, with its fronds open to the sky -- defies the elements to bend its will. Its bent trunk attests to a people which have been tested by famine, natural calamities, genocide and foreign wars but have continued to endure as a race. The Flying Proa, a seagoing craft built by the Chamorro people, which was fast and agile in the water required great skill to build and sail. The spanish marveled at the grace and speed of the proa which typifies the courage and freedom of the ancient Chamorros to fearlessly navigate and trade with islands thousands of miles from Guam. The River channel, where fresh water rush out to interact with the ocean, symbolizes a willingness to share the resources of the land with others. The permanence of the land mass of Hila'an in the background demonstrates the Chamorro's commitment to their homeland and environment, be it sea or land. Also in the background, "Two Lover's Point" juts majestically into the endless waters of the sea, protraying the people's faithful commitment to passing their proud heritage, culture, and language to the endless sea of future generations. GUAM or GUAHAN means "we have" is the home ("Tano Y Chamorro") of the Mannamoros or Chamorro people. A red stripe surrounding the Guam Seal representing the blood shed by its people during World War II and Spanish occupation. A field of Blue represents Guam's unity with the sea and sky.

Click here for words to Guam Hymn 'Fanoghe Chamorro'

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