FLAG WITH ROBERT G. HEFT’S 50-STAR DESIGN TO BE SOLD
I was appointed as the Personal Representative for the Estate of Robert G. Heft by Judge Patrick J. McGraw, Saginaw County Probate Court, in 2009 after Heft, a former school teacher, died on December 12 of that year at age 68. Since my appointment as Personal Representative at that time, Zolton Law Offices has been in possession of the flag that Heft represented to be the 50-star design of the U.S. Flag. It is said that Heft created the 50-star flag design for a high school history class project when he was 17 years old. It’s hard to believe, but he received only a B-minus for his effort. However, he asked his teacher if the grade could be changed if his design was accepted by Congress. It was, and he later received an A. He also submitted a 51-star design when it was discussed to possibly include Puerto Rico as a state. The rest of the story can be gleaned from Google or other internet websites about him.
Flag flew in all 50 states
Much of what Heft indicated to the public during his public talks and seminars has been confirmed as accurate. However, some things cannot be confirmed. Did he ever meet President Eisenhower? We do not know. He stated he did. We do know that he met Bob Hope, James Brown and other famous people who believed in his story and what he lectured about regarding the U.S. Flag. We know that the flag flew in all 50 states.
Presently, Judge McGraw has ordered that the U.S. Flag be sold and converted to cash so that, assuming all Estate bills have been paid, a trust can be funded and established for Mr. Heft’s great niece and nephews. Those were the wishes of Mr. Heft, who desired to provide a financial legacy for their education.
About the Author
Dear Mr. Zolton, Esq.,
I am the daughter of a 3-time Vietnam Veteran. My father is 80 years old and his health is failing him. For most of my life, I have listened to my father’s dismay everytime he talks about the American flag. He is absolutely beside himself that the flag he is so proud to have fought under and for has been and continues to be made by foreign countries. He feels and most Americans feel when asked, that OUR FLAG should be manufactured in the United States of America ONLY. I do not know if this message is going on deaf ears, but if it is not, please help me give a dying Veteran… my Dad, his one wish- to make it a law.
Sincerely,
Daughter of a beloved Vietnam Veteran
Thank you for your Father’s service to our Country. If I have any say or convey your Father’s feelings I will be happy to do so. God Bless!
I am in possession of one of the hand. Signed Bob GF flags that he did for the veterans in 2004. What would be the value of such that flag?
Possibly. I still have around 8-10 of them left. The market for such a thing is kind of speculative.
I met Robert Heft in 2008 at the Ohio State DAR at our state conference in Columbus. I will be presenting information about Robert’s flag for the Flag Day ceremony during our chapter meeting in June. Could you share with me what his original 50 star flag sold for at auction in Saginaw? Or did it get donated to the Smithsonian Museum?
Thank you for your assistance. Carol Olson
We have possession of the flag still at this time and it is in safe keeping. It was never sold, as nobody would purchase at high enough value. Probate Judge ordered it turned over to our Firm for all of the costs and legal fees incurred.
Wasn’t just for the remaining cost, but to be spilt between his one niece and two nephews. Don’t forget that.
Thank you for the inquiry. Unfortunately, you are mistaken. The Judge awarded our Firm the flag as our bill was never paid and the flag never has sold. We continue to store it in safety at our expense, along with other Heft items. If there are sufficient funds to pay off the attorney fees, costs and storage fees, our Firm will consider setting up a trust for the nieces and nephews who have attended and successfully matriculated. However, it has been nearly 7 years since the Estate was closed.
It should be in the Smithsonian
May be so. Unfortunately, Mr. Heft died with significant legal work required for his probate administration, which our Firm performed after being appointed by the Honorable Patrick J. McGraw. Our fees and costs are yet to be paid.
I will buy the Flag . (231) 392-2956
I believe we spoke about this, but if not, please call Saginaw office.
The story of this flag is very interesting and I would really like to see the flag. Is it ever on display for the public? Thanks
It is not publicly displayed at this time.
Sir: I forgot, I have a picture of me and Bob taken at his house with me holding one of my Gold records and Bob holding the Flag in a case. If interested, my E-mail is at the top.
Please contact me at your convenience.
Robert Heft visited our school when i was teaching at Oakridge Private School…..i purchased about five flags from him that he signed along the edge. I still have two of them and the others have been given to family members. I remember him being such a gentleman and i am so proud to fly a flag signed by him.
I would love to see that flag. Why don’t you encase it( if you haven’t already) and display it around the country.
What about the nieces’ and nephews’ trust.? Do they have one now?
Thank you,
Ms P Bell
It is in a case and can be viewed if request is made.