The Guam flag is a universal symbol of pride and honor for the people of Guam. The seal emblazoned at the center of the flag is believed to have been inspired by the artwork of a CHamoru artist, Mr. Francisco Feja, in 1917. Mr. Feja was recognized by Legislative Resolution as having memorialized the iconic Guam scene of the Hagåtña River as it empties into the sea, the surrounding beach with a lone coconut tree and a proa in the horizon which he depicted as the seal in the shape of a slingstone. All the symbols in the seal are meaningful cultural representations of the prowess of the Taotao Tåno’ and life in our beautiful island homeland. The colors in the seal and flag feature the vibrant hues in Guam’s natural environment.

Prior to 1917, the colonial flags of Spain and later the United States were singularly flown over Guam from 1565 until 1917 when the Guam seal and flag were accepted by the Naval government, which formally adopted them in 1930. Following the enactment of the 1950 Organic Act of Guam by the U.S. Congress, the Guam Congress passed Public Order No. 33 designating the 1917 design as the official territorial seal, which was approved by the military postwar Governor, Admiral Pownall.

The Lieutenant Governor of Guam is the official keeper of the seal. The Guam Flag, bearing the Official Seal, is recognized and flown throughout the world and at the United Nations and the U.S. Capital as our national symbol.