American Flag Designer Marks Independence Day Milestone

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Get your flag accepted in Washington and I might raise your grade.

Frankenmuth, MI (PRWEB) June 7, 2007

America's current 50-star flag, designed by Bob Heft, will become 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. The paperback retails for $12.95.

Heft will be greeting guests, posing for photos, and signing flag and book purchases at Bronner's Christmas Wonderland in Frankenmuth, Michigan, on June 10 and 30, and July 1 and 4, 2007. Heft will be appearing from noon to 5 p.m. on June 10 and July 1, and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on June 30 and July 4. For more information, contact Bronner's customer service department at (989) 652-9931 or visit Bronner's Christmas Wonderland.

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