Patriotism, anthems and pledges in these islands

These Islands By Robert A. Underwood

 “Country first” is a common phrase used by patriotic citizens when discussing conflict, policies and even personal fortunes. Richard Nixon used the phrase when he resigned in disgrace, saying he must put America first over personal considerations.

It is hard to imagine President Donald Trump applying a higher standard than his personal whims when he says “America First,” or tries to explain what "Make America Great Again" means.

Self-proclaimed patriots have different visions of themselves and different interpretations of patriotism and of America. But they all sing "The Star-Spangled Banner," which prioritizes American nationhood over everything else.

They also recite the "Pledge of Allegiance" to the flag.

How do other islands express their patriotism?

In Palau and the Marshall Islands, the expression of loyalty to a single nation is clear. There is a short line between the nation and the culture of its people. The Federated States of Micronesia's anthem "Patriots of Micronesia" is rendered in English. It is frequently accompanied—and sometimes drowned out—by state anthems sung in indigenous languages. There is a longer line between peoplehood and nationhood.

You can add to this mixture Guam's "Fanohge CHamoru" and the Northern Mariana Islands' "Gi Talo’ Gi Halom Tasi." These are sung in CHamoru after "The Star-Spangled Banner" in official ceremonies.

Local anthems are often sung with more volume and enthusiasm than the American anthem. You can also add a Carolinian version of the Northern Mariana Islands anthem. Consequently, the performance of patriotic songs occupies a considerable amount of time during official ceremonies.

Expressing identity and a common purpose through solemn songs is a standard feature of nations. School children throughout Micronesia have been singing these songs for several decades and feel a tug at their heart with each rendition. But what happens when you sing multiple songs? Which one makes your heart beat stronger?

What happens if you live outside the homeland? Thousands of young people in the region lack the opportunity to participate in civic rites regularly. Chuukese children living on Guam are just as likely to sing "Fanohge CHamoru" along with "Patriots of Micronesia." There are more non-CHamoru children singing "Stand Ye CHamoru" than ever before.

Language is a strong component of national anthems. In the case of the FSM, it is tempting to think about combining the nation's four primary languages, similar to the official national greeting "Kamorale." Adopted in 2024, Kamorale is a mash-up of traditional greetings from each of the four states: Kaselehlie (Pohnpei), Mogethin (Yap), Ran annim (Chuuk) and Len wo (Kosrae).

Every national anthem has a unique history. The Philippine national anthem "Lupang Hinirang" was originally written in Spanish and later translated into English. The Filipino version was formally approved in 1956.

The Guam hymn began as "Stand Ye Chamorro" by Ramon Sablan in 1919. Following World War II, it was changed to "Stand Ye Guamanian" and was eventually translated into CHamoru by Tan Lagrimas Untalan in 1973." Fanohge CHamoru" has since been formally adopted.

We also have pledges of allegiance that are part of the daily routine in American classrooms. In the Pacific islands, such expressions of national solidarity are

few. This type of nation-building exercise, which encourages a primary loyalty, is largely absent in Pacific island societies. 

Ironically, it exists in territories that lack sovereignty. Both Guam and the CNMI have pledges affirming the protection of the native language, culture, air, water and land. Written by Bernadita Camacho-Dungca, a legacy of solidarity is regularly recited in official Guam ceremonies and schools. This statement is in Carolinian and CHamoru in the Northern Marianas.

Putting country and national allegiance first precludes other forms of loyalty. Normally, the conflict is between personal interest and national loyalty.

But in the territories and nations with colonial histories, the trajectory toward national anthems and pledges is not as clear. There are divided loyalties and unresolved issues regarding ultimate loyalty among people in Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands.

Of course, we can arrive at one all-encompassing anthem for all in the Micronesian region including Kiribati and Nauru. We can also translate them into various languages.

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AI suggested the following lyrics for the anthem of Micronesia, titled "One

Ocean, Many Shores:"

     Verse 1: The Rising Sun

      From the eastern crest of Kiribati’s dawn,

      To the western reefs where the sails are drawn.

      Across the vast blue, our islands awake

      With every sunrise, a promise we make.

Chorus: The Fabric of the Sea

     We are the people of the small, bright lands,

      Bound by the ocean, holding our hands.

     Micronesia! From deep sea to shore,

     One ocean connects us, now and evermore.

It may not make the heart pump faster but it rhymes. AI can also translate it into various languages.

I will not ask for a pledge of allegiance to Micronesia, but we can all develop one with the assistance of AI. You can simply fill in the blanks. You can also fill in the nation you are pledging loyalty to even if it doesn’t exist as a nation yet.

Dr. Robert Underwood is the former president of the University of Guam and former member of the U.S. House of Representatives. Send feedback to anacletus2010@gmail.com.

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