The modern United States receives its crowning star when
President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a proclamation
admitting Hawaii into the Union as the 50th state. The
president also issued an order for an American flag
featuring 50 stars arranged in staggered rows: five six-
star rows and four five-star rows. The new flag became
official July 4, 1960.

President Dwight Eisenhower helps unfurl the new 50-star
flag on Aug. 21, 1959 after signing a proclamation making
Hawaii the 50th state of the union. At right is Daniel K.
Inouye, Democratic congressman-elect from Hawaii.