Alaska's Flag is the regional anthem of the U.S. state of Alaska. It was adopted in 1959, as Alaska became the 49th state.
Lyrics
Unique among state songs, its lyrics explain the symbolism of the Alaskan flag. The lyrics are:
<blockquote>
Eight stars of gold on a field of blue<br>
Alaska's flag. May it mean to you<br>
The blue of the sea, the evening sky,<br>
The mountain lakes, and the flow'rs nearby;<br>
The gold of the early sourdough's dreams,<br>
The precious gold of the hills and streams;<br>
The brilliant stars in the northern sky,<br>
The "Bear," the "Dipper," and, shining high,<br>
The great North Star with its steady light,<br>
O'er land and sea a beacon bright.<br>
Alaska's flag to Alaskans dear,<br>
The simple flag of a last frontier. <br><br>
</blockquote>
The connection between the song and the flag happened both by design and circumstance. It was the result of the linkage among three individuals: Benny Benson, Marie Drake, and Elinor Dusenbury. They did not directly collaborate, but instead, Marie Drake built on the work of Benny Benson, and Elinor Dusenbury built on the work of the other two. Benson inspired the effort, Drake wrote the lyrics, and Dusenbury composed the song.
Alaska Department of Education employee Marie Drake echoed Benny Benson's explanation of his design in a poem she wrote in 1935. Marie Drake had become the Territorial Assistant Commissioner of Education in 1934.
She edited and wrote most of the material for the School Bulletin, which was circulated throughout the Territorial school system. The poem first appeared on the cover of the October 1935 School Bulletin.
To the surprise and delight of both women, the Territorial Legislature adopted Alaska's Flag in 1955.