Latte of Freedom

"In commemoration of the 200th birthday of the United States of America in 1976, Governor Ricardo J. Bordallo launched a bicentennial project to celebrate the American freedoms and the proud heritage of the Guamanian people. The latte, the handiwork of the ancient Chamorros, gave rise to Governor Bordallo's vision for the Latte of Freedom.

As the Statue of Liberty welcomes visitors to America's eastern shores, Governor Bordallo envisioned the Latte of Freedom rising above Guam as a welcoming symbol of American freedom in the Western Pacific. And just as the children of America donated their pennies to erect the Statue of Liberty, Guam's school children raised thousands of dollars to make the first donation to build the Latte of Freedom.

Today, we welcome you to the Latte of Freedom, a gift from the people of Guam to freedom lovers everywhere."

The Latte of Freedom stands a full 3 stories tall on the western side of the island behind the Governors Mansion in Hagatna. The above quote is inscribed at its entrance, and I think is a wonderful description of it.

Next to the Latte is the Hall of Governors, which is run by the Guam Museum Foundation and contains a few Guam historical artifacts. The day we went, the man working in the hall took the time to explain quite a bit of Guam's history to us and answer questions we had. 

From the Spanish American War up to the capture of the island by Japan, the Governors of Guam were all actually just US Naval Admirals assigned to the island. Once the island was re-taken by the US during WWII, Governors continued to be assigned military officials (again, primarily Admirals). In 1949, the position switched from an appointed military official to a Presidential appointed civilian one.This continued until 1970, when the people of Guam were finally given the right to elect their own governor.

Guide explaining the governor history

Interesting to note on the picture above: according to our guide the beautiful desk in the middle was actually used by the Spanish here when they controlled the island. Sometime after the US gained control of the island he US Navy moved it to Annapolis. The people of Guam were successful in getting it brought back to the island by the Navy.

Items from the period of Naval control

Beyond just the Hall and the Latte there were many interesting things to see on the Governor's Mansion property. There were cannons, WWII guns, Latte, and memorials. The impending rain made the views of the  bay no less astounding, either.

Local note: there is a small fee to climb up in the Latte ($2 for adults and $1 for children)