A Quarter for Guam: Recognizing American Citizens Outside of Our 50 States

I make no bones about it. I am very proud of my heritage. I am an American citizen, an Air Force Brat, who was privileged to have been able to travel this globe while my father served our country. I am the oldest of three girls with a British mother and a Chamorro (Guamanian) father, a truly unique mixture of culture and traditions. I find great pleasure in teaching my own 2 young daughters about the richness of their heritage, and all that they are a part of. I am lucky that this pride was instilled into me by both of my parents, who regaled their own girls with stories of their youth. It is no wonder, then, that whenever anyone mentions England or Guam, they get my full attention.

It was with great interest that I listened to the discussion in the House of Representatives, recently, relating to 1997's 50 States Commemorative Coin Program Act (Public Law 105-204). I am quite familiar with this program, as I am an active collector of the state quarters. The US Mint began releasing the quarters in 1999. The designs on each quarter were to reflect the history and spirit of each state. Each quarter was released in the order of the date each state was admitted into the Union. It is a ten-year program, with five quarters released each year, ending with Hawaii, our 50th and last admitted state, having its quarter released in late 2008.

I have to admit, I was a little sad with the prospect of this program ending next year. However, due to the previously mentioned discussions in the House of Representatives, there is a possibility of an extension of this program. How? With the proposal of HR 392 - The District of Columbia and United States Territories Circulating Quarter Dollar Program Act - the "collecting" can continue for another year by including the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the United States Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI).

It made perfect sense to me! After all, the people who are born in these lovely places are all American citizens! The laws of the United States bind all of the residents of these locations, and they utilize the currency. The District of Columbia pays Federal Income Taxes, while the territories pay their local taxes. All have delegates, not representatives, in the House of Representatives. They are just not designated "states." Why not honor these wonderful places and educate those, who may not know, about the depth of culture and range of diversity that is representative of ALL Americans?

The debate over whether the District of Columbia (DC) and the Territories of the United States should get equal treatment as the 50 US States is a continuing one. The dispute over "taxation without representation" is continually raised, as neither residents of DC or the territories are able to vote for president. I have not seen the statistics, but I know that a very large portion of the population of these places enter military service. I am fully aware that the blood of the sons and daughters of residents of these non-included American locales have been, and continue to be, shed in order to protect the Constitution of the United States. We must never forget that these fine people are Americans too.

I admit that it has been a very long time since I resided on Guam. I was a young child and not really involved or interested in the political climate at the time. I must say that I, in no way, hold myself as a representative of any of the views of those who consider themselves Chamorro or who live on Guam, or any of the territories or DC. These are simply my own truths and observations. These sorts of political issues are best debated and resolved by the people who are directly affected, and I support whatever the majority decides is best for all. It was, however, with great interest that I saw that DC and the territories had some partial voting rights restored in the House during this past month. I think that this is a GOOD thing! It is at least a start to the conversation for what place DC and the territories will hold in the future - for the United States and for themselves.

But back to the quarters, as my mind started racing with such possibilities for a Guam Quarter. I started to wonder about what "picture" would best represent Guam, in particular, when trying to come up with a design for a quarter. What would it be? What could teach the rest of the "family of America" about Guam and it's beauty and uniqueness? Could it be the delicious food on a fiesta table, or a fanihi (fruit bat), betel nut, star apple, or any of the tropical flora and fauna? Would it be the Guam Seal, a latte stone, Talafofo Falls, or Two Lover's Point, or the many natural wonders of the island? Would a proa boat, or a carabao, a palm tree, or a beach scene be considered?

How about an ancient Chamorro warrior, taotaomona trees, patron saints, or the Basilica? Should we include Guam's discovery, the traditions, the legends, the superstitions? How do we represent the many of our own Chamorro family and friends who serve in the military, in government, and who serve humanity in general? What about our military heritage, the battles, the relics, the tales of heroism, the boonies, the stragglers, or the Manengon Concentration Camp? What would best represent the deep respect for family and faith that I remember? There is so much more that is not mentioned here, and there are so many more stories to share, that it seems a daunting undertaking to choose something to represent it all. I look forward to seeing what arises.

I know I am getting ahead of myself in considering the possibilities for the design of a Guam quarter, for it is only the House of Representatives who have passed this Act. The Act is currently in the Senate for consideration. As of this date, it had been read twice, and then was referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. We have been down this road before, as this type of legislation has been passed by the House of Representatives five times, over the last eight years. It has always stalled when in the Senate. It is my hope that this time, something comes of it. I encourage those who are so inclined, to urge those who hold this legislation's fate in their hands to do the right thing. I'd like to see all Americans represented in this program.

There are many Americans who feel as if their land and their people are considered the "lowly stepsibling" at times. I would like to thank Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton - DC, for being the sponsor of this bill. I think it's also important to thank Rep. Madeleine Z. Bordallo - GU, Rep. Michael N. Castle - DE, Rep. Donna M. Christensen - VI, Rep. Eni F.H. Faleomavaega - AS, Rep. Luis G. Fortuno - PR, Rep. Barney Frank - MA-4, and Rep. Luis V. Gutierrez - IL-4, for being co-sponsors, as well. This single piece of legislation is simply the first way for the US "family" to acknowledge the "entire" family. Where freedom and equality is so cherished, it is essential to feel as if you are an important part of the country. It may only be a quarter, but it's a start.

Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Website: http://banking.senate.gov