1-7 July 1959
49 Star National Flag
For the first time since 1912, the United States flew a new flag, one with 49-stars. Unfurled on Independence Day, 4 July 1959, this flag signified the admission of Alaska as a state. The 49-star flag was used for only a year, since on 4 July 1960 a 50-star flag was adopted with the admission of Hawaii.
The Heraldic Branch of the Quartermaster Corps was given the responsibility of designing the new 49 and 50 star U.S. flags. From 1957 to 1958 the Heraldic Branch analyzed over 1,900 proposed designs submitted by the public, and prepared suggested designs for consideration by President Eisenhower.
From all of these suggestions and from a study of the history and traditions of the flag, it finally was decided to recommend arrangement of the 49 stars in seven staggered rows. The Philadelphia Quartermaster Depot made several prototype flags. On 3 January 1959, Presidential Executive Order 10798 set forth the design of the new flag.
Compiled by Dr. Steven Anders, former Quartermaster School historian.
Quote of the Week:
The flag is the symbol of our national unity, our national endeavor, our national aspiration. The flag tells of the struggle for independence, of union preserved, of liberty and union one and inseparable, of the sacrifices of brave men and women to whom the ideals and honor of this nation have been dearer than life.- From National Symbol by Charles Evans Hughes