Who created the 50 star American flag? This question has intrigued many, as the flag represents the unity and diversity of the United States. The answer lies in the hands of a talented and dedicated graphic designer named Robert Heft. In this article, we will delve into the fascinating story behind the creation of the 50 star American flag and the life of its designer.
The 50 star American flag was officially adopted on July 4, 1960, following the admission of Hawaii as the 50th state into the Union. Before this, the flag had undergone numerous modifications since its inception in 1777. The flag’s evolution reflects the growth and expansion of the United States throughout its history.
Robert Heft, a high school student from West Virginia, was assigned the task of designing a new flag for the 50th state. At the time, he was a senior at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. The contest was organized by the National Flag Foundation, and Heft’s design was chosen from among 2,812 entries. The foundation offered a prize of $1,000, but Heft, who was 17 years old at the time, requested that half of the prize be donated to the American Legion, a veterans’ organization.
Heft’s design featured a blue field with 50 white stars arranged in nine rows of six stars each, with the sixth row having five stars. The stars represented the 50 states, while the blue field symbolized the heavens and the colors of the Grand Union Flag, the first national flag of the United States. The 13 stripes represented the original 13 colonies.
The flag’s design was well-received by the public and the government. President Dwight D. Eisenhower officially approved the new flag on August 21, 1960. Robert Heft received his prize money, which he used to pay for his college tuition. His design has since become an iconic symbol of the United States, representing the nation’s unity and its commitment to growth and progress.
Robert Heft’s journey from a high school student to the designer of the 50 star American flag is a testament to his creativity and dedication. His design has stood the test of time, becoming a symbol of national pride and unity. Today, the 50 star American flag flies high, a vivid reminder of the nation’s rich history and the spirit of its people.
