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 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.