Any of the particles that carry the four fundamental forces of nature (see forces, fundamental). Gauge bosons are elementary particles that cannot be subdivided, and include the photon, the graviton, the gluons, and the W+, W-, and Z particles.
The stars represent the states of Pohnpei, Kosrae, Yap, and Chuuk. The blue field is said to represent the Pacific Ocean. Effective date: 30 November 1978.