The Story Behind The Design Of The American Flag Is Bizarre But True
The American flag is flown all over the globe as a symbol of freedom, democracy, and barbeque. Old Glory has undergone quite a few facelifts since the original 13-star flag was first conceived in 1777. However, the modern-day design of our flag’s iconic stars and stripes just might have the most incredible origin story of all.
Robert G. Heft designed the modern 50-star American flag in 1958 when he was a 17-year-old high school student. According to the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Museum, Heft devised the flag as a class project while living with his grandparents in Lancaster, Ohio. He received a only B- grade for his design.
Apparently, his teacher assumed that Heft had mistakenly added an extra two stars (Alaska and Hawaii had not yet become states) and penalized his project grade accordingly. In fact, Heft had anticipated the addition of Alaska and Hawaii and adjusted his design to include them.
Unsatisfied with his grade, Heft decided to strike a deal with his teacher, Stanley Pratt. The terms were these: if Heft submitted his 50-star flag design to Congress and it was selected as the nation’s new flag, Pratt would consider boosting Heft’s grade. Pratt agreed, and Heft sent his high school project off to the capital.
Two years later, the phone rang at Heft’s house. On the other end was President Eisenhower. Heft's flag design had been chosen and adopted by presidential proclamation after Alaska and before Hawaii was admitted into the Union in 1959. On July 4, 1960, Heft’s high school history project became the official symbol of the United State of America. Pratt reportedly honored the agreement with his student, and changed the grade to an A. Heft recalled his teacher saying: “If it’s good enough for Washington, it’s good enough for me.”
Not content with designing only one national flag, Heft also designed a 51 star flag just a few weeks after completing the 50 star version. Before Heft died in 2009, he gave this flag design to Rep. Clarence Miller of Ohio to propose in the event that a new state be added to the union.
The moral of our story: work hard in school, stand up for your ideas, and don’t let the haters get you down. It doesn’t matter how many times you hear “no,” as long as you hold out for that phone call from the President. Can anyone guess what Heft’s favorite holidays are?
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