# 4275 - 2008 42c Flags of Our Nation: Alaska
Flags of Our Nation
Alaska
Issue Date: June 14, 2008
City: Washington, DC
Alaska’s current state flag was the winning entry in a contest sponsored by the American Legion in 1927, more than 30 years before the territory became a U.S. state. Designed by John Bell (Benny) Benson, a 13-year-old orphaned Aleut Indian, this flag was formally adopted in May 1927. The flag’s blue background represented the sky and the Forget-me-not, Alaska’s state flower. Against this background are eight gold stars to represent the Big Dipper, a symbol of strength, and the North Star, to represent Alaska’s future as the northernmost U.S. state. The Alaska State Flag stamp is part of the 2008 Flags of Our Nation Series.
Flags of Our Nation
Alaska
Issue Date: June 14, 2008
City: Washington, DC
Alaska’s current state flag was the winning entry in a contest sponsored by the American Legion in 1927, more than 30 years before the territory became a U.S. state. Designed by John Bell (Benny) Benson, a 13-year-old orphaned Aleut Indian, this flag was formally adopted in May 1927. The flag’s blue background represented the sky and the Forget-me-not, Alaska’s state flower. Against this background are eight gold stars to represent the Big Dipper, a symbol of strength, and the North Star, to represent Alaska’s future as the northernmost U.S. state. The Alaska State Flag stamp is part of the 2008 Flags of Our Nation Series.