<Tr> <Td> CA Mil . Dept . </Td> <Td> 200 C </Td> <Td> </Td> <Td> 41.1 </Td> <Td> 64.2 </Td> <Td> 30.8 </Td> <Td>. 745 </Td> <Td>. 051 </Td> <Td>. 203 </Td> <Td> #BE0D34 </Td> <Td>. 169 </Td> <Td> 1.000 </Td> <Td>. 749 </Td> <Td>. 074 </Td> </Tr> <P> When Alaska and Hawaii were being considered for statehood in the 1950s, more than 1,500 designs were submitted to President Dwight D. Eisenhower . Although some of them were 49 - star versions, the vast majority were 50 - star proposals . At least three of these designs were identical to the present design of the 50 - star flag . At the time, credit was given by the executive department to the United States Army Institute of Heraldry for the design . </P> <P> Of these proposals, one created by 17 - year - old Robert G. Heft in 1958 as a school project received the most publicity . His mother was a seamstress, but refused to do any of the work for him . He originally received a B--for the project . After discussing the grade with his teacher, it was agreed (somewhat jokingly) that if the flag was accepted by Congress, the grade would be reconsidered . Heft's flag design was chosen and adopted by presidential proclamation after Alaska and before Hawaii was admitted into the Union in 1959 . According to Heft, his teacher did keep to their agreement and changed his grade to an A for the project . The 49 - and 50 - star flags were each flown for the first time at Fort McHenry on Independence Day, in 1959 and 1960 respectively . </P> <P> Traditionally, the flag may be decorated with golden fringe surrounding the perimeter of the flag as long as it does not deface the flag proper . Ceremonial displays of the flag, such as those in parades or on indoor posts, often use fringe to enhance the appearance of the flag . </P>

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