America's current 50-star flag, designed by Bob Heft, has became the longest-serving flag in United States history
on July 4, 2007, at 12:02 a.m. Eastern Standard Time. The flag will have served its country for 47 years and one minute, breaking
the current record of 47 years held by the 48-star flag (July 4, 1912, through July 4, 1959).
Bob Heft's flag became the official United States flag on July 4, 1960, at 12:01 a.m. EST. He designed the flag for a history
class project as a 17-year-old high school junior at Lancaster High School in Lancaster, Ohio, in 1958. Alaska anticipated
admittance to the Union at that time as the 49th state.
Heft's teacher, Stanley Pratt, asked, "Why would anyone make a 50-star flag?" and gave the junior a B- on the project.
When Heft challenged the grade, Pratt told him, "Get your flag accepted in Washington and I might raise your grade." Before
long, Hawaii received statehood and a 50-star flag was needed. Heft's flag was accepted. Only after young Heft returned from
the Washington, D.C. flag ceremony did Pratt raise his grade to an A.
Heft has given over 8,000 speeches in all 50 states and 57 nations. He has appeared at over 137 military installations
and bases around the world.
Recently Heft became one of 50 Americans to be featured in the book, "Hometown Heroes," which tells the stories of ordinary
people doing extraordinary things all across America. HarperCollins Publishers released the book nationally on April 24, 2007
