LETTER TO THE EDITOR: The Responsibility of the Flags We Wear

Letter to the Editor: The Responsibility of the Flags We Wear

By Brig. Gen. Michael W. Cruz

As a proud Guam Army National Guardsman, I have the honor of wearing two flags on my uniform. On my right sleeve is the American flag, a symbol of liberty, justice, and the sacrifices made by countless men and women who have served to defend our nation. On my left sleeve is the seal of Guam, a testament to the resilience, culture, and identity of our island and its people.

These symbols are far more than decorations—they represent dual responsibilities and a sacred trust. They remind me daily that the needs and interests of one flag must never outweigh those of the other. They must exist in harmony, united by shared values of freedom, justice, and service.

As Guam Guardsmen, we pledge allegiance to the American flag, knowing that it represents the United States as a whole—but also recognizing that there are only 50 stars on it. There is no star for Guam, nor for the other U.S. Territories. Despite this absence, we serve with unwavering loyalty because we know that our allegiance is not to the stars on the flag but to the ideals it represents: liberty, equality, and democracy.

Interestingly, all U.S. territories, except Washington, D.C., are islands in blue oceans. Perhaps we can lay claim to the blue background that the 50 stars are displayed on. That vast blue field can symbolize our role, holding up the stars while contributing to the richness and depth of what the flag represents. It reminds us that while we may not have a star, we are an inseparable part of the nation’s fabric.

Standing between the two flags I wear, I feel the weight of responsibility and privilege. As Guardsmen, we serve as a bridge, representing the aspirations of the United States while safeguarding the dignity and heritage of Guam. We defend the principles of the Stars and Stripes while ensuring those principles extend to every man, woman, and child on our island.

But these symbols cannot be honored merely by wearing them on our sleeves. To truly serve them, we must carry them in our hearts, minds, and actions. We must embody the values they represent in everything we do, from how we lead and serve to how we treat one another.

Even when the territories are not represented by stars on the American flag, our contributions and sacrifices are vital to the nation’s strength. We look forward to the day when our nation does right by us and corrects this political marginalization—when the people of Guam and all U.S. Territories are given the full recognition and representation they deserve. Until that day, we continue to serve with honor, proving through our actions that we are as committed to this nation as any other American.

And so, with God’s grace and our collective will, let us continue to honor the flags we wear—not just through our uniforms but through our lives. Let us live their ideals and build a legacy worthy of their meaning.

Brig Gen. Michael Cruz is the adjutant general of the Guam National Guard