The Flag of Alaska
The flag of Alaska is the official state flag of Alaska, a state located in the northwest region of the United States. It was adopted in 1959, the same year that Alaska became the 49th state of the USA. The flag originally represented the territory of Alaska before it became a state. The flag is a symbol of the state’s rich history and natural beauty.
History of the Flag of Alaska
The flag of Alaska was first created in 1927 by a 13-year-old Native American boy named Benny Benson. Benson, who was an orphan, was living in a mission home in Seward, Alaska, at the time. He entered a contest to design the flag of Alaska, which was open to all school children in the territory. Benson’s design was chosen out of over 700 entries and was adopted as the official flag of Alaska on May 2, 1927.
Design of the Flag of Alaska
The flag of Alaska has a unique design. It features a blue background with eight gold stars arranged in the shape of the Big Dipper and the North Star. The Big Dipper is a constellation that is easily visible in the northern sky, and the North Star, also known as Polaris, is used for navigation. The stars on the flag represent the state’s natural beauty, as well as its position as the northernmost state in the USA.
Colors of the Flag of Alaska
The colors of the flag of Alaska are blue and gold. Blue represents the sky and the sea, which are prominent features of the Alaskan landscape. Gold represents the gold rush that brought prosperity to the territory in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Meaning Behind the Flag of Alaska
The flag of Alaska has several meanings. The blue background represents the sky and the sea, which are important resources for the state. The eight stars represent the Big Dipper and the North Star, which are important for navigation in the northern hemisphere. The gold color represents the gold rush that brought prosperity to the state.
Symbolism of the Flag of Alaska
The flag of Alaska is a symbol of the state’s natural beauty, its history, and its position as the northernmost state in the USA. The stars on the flag represent the state’s natural resources, while the blue background represents the sky and the sea. The flag is also a symbol of the state’s independence and its unique history.
Official Protocol for Displaying the Flag of Alaska
The flag of Alaska should be displayed in a prominent position, such as on a flagpole or in a window. It should be flown from sunrise to sunset, and it should not be flown in bad weather. The flag should always be treated with respect and dignity.
Variations of the Flag of Alaska
There are several variations of the flag of Alaska, including a version with a black background that is used by the Alaskan National Guard. There is also a version of the flag with a grizzly bear in the center, which is used by the governor of Alaska.
Common Misconceptions About the Flag of Alaska
One common misconception about the flag of Alaska is that the stars on the flag represent the Ursa Major constellation, also known as the Big Bear. However, the stars actually represent the Big Dipper and the North Star. Another common misconception is that the gold color on the flag represents the state’s gold deposits. However, it actually represents the gold rush that brought prosperity to the state.
Similar Flags to the Flag of Alaska
The flag of Alaska is unique, but it does share some similarities with other flags. For example, the flag of Hawaii also features a Union Jack in the upper left corner and a series of stars. The flag of New Zealand also features a Union Jack and a Southern Cross constellation.
Conclusion: The Significance of the Flag of Alaska
The flag of Alaska is an important symbol of the state’s history, natural beauty, and independence. Its unique design and colors make it easily recognizable, and it is often used to represent the state in official capacities. The flag is a source of pride for Alaskans, and it will continue to be an important symbol of the state’s identity for years to come.
References and Further Reading
- Alaska State Flag. The Alaska State Legislature. https://www.akleg.gov/docs/pdf/info/alaska_state_flag.pdf
- Benson, Benny. Benny Benson and the Alaska State Flag. The Alaska State Legislature. https://www.akleg.gov/docs/pdf/info/benny_benson.pdf
- State Symbols. Alaska State Library. https://library.alaska.gov/hist/stateflag.html
