Interesting Places: Micronesia
I am always seeking interesting facts on flag poles and flags. There is much I don’t know in terms of world history. One concept or truth in regards to world history is that there are 3 ethnic divisions in the Pacific, and they include Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia. Of all three, the term Polynesia also has political meaning. It is my understanding that each territory flies their respective state ensign from Pacific flag poles, including Micronesia.
There are countless islands in the Pacific. Some years, if not decades ago, efforts were made to form a single country following the granting of independence. Micronesia was established in 1979 really. The state counts thousands of islands scattered across a fairly substantial area in terms of geography. Some islands and groups of islands that are part of the territory includes: Banava, the Gilbert Islands and the Mariana Islands.
The national flag of this nation was adopted and flown from Micronesian flag poles by the provisional government, back in ’78. This ensign features 4 five-pointed stars on a blue field. The stars represent the member states: Truk, Yap, Ponape and Kusaie. This banner resembles the previous Trust Territory flag, except that it features 4 stars instead of 6. The blue color symbolizes the water of the Pacific Ocean.
The choice of the stars was likely influenced by their use in the flag of the United States of America, also referred to as “Old Glory” by Americans. The use of the color blue for the flag’s field is said to have been chosen because the flag of the United Nations, which also dominantly features the blue color.
This country is a sub-region of the area of Oceania, which includes hundreds if not thousands of islands that are located in the western part of the Pacific. More commonly known countries neighbor Micronesia and include the countries of the Philippines and Indonesia. A certain individual called Jules d’Urville first proposed the name of the country back in 1831.
An interesting fact that was brought to my attention recently, is that the Europeans also ruled the territory for decades and centuries in the past. Even though Europeans settled themselves in different parts of the Oceanic territory, true colonization never really happened.
I personally don’t mind the more simply designed flags, as they tend to bring across a meaningful message quickly. Considering the beautiful scenery in this part of the world, I can only imagine how this flag would fly from Micronesian flag poles on a sunny day.
Processing your request, Please wait....
