Located in Seward, Alaska, the Benny Benson Memorial is dedicated to the designer of the Alaska state flag. One of the most powerful and recognizable icons in the state, the monument celebrates the story of the creation of the design and the person who created it, while also allowing visitors to engage with each in a way that has made it part of the community.
The History of the Flag of Alaska
Benny Benson was born in Chignik, a small settlement on the Alaska Peninsula in 1913. After his mother died he was sent to a Memorial Home that would eventually be located in Seward. In 1926, he participated in a contest that was open to all Alaskan children grades 7 – 12 to design Alaska’s flag, which the Territorial Governor believed would help in the effort for Alaska to become a state. When Alaska became a state in 1959, Benson’s design for the territorial flag became the official state flag.
Explaining the design of the flag, Benson said the blue field is for the Alaska sky and the forget-me-not, an Alaskan flower. The North Star is for the future state of Alaska, the most northerly in the union. The Dipper is for the Great Bear that symbolized the strength of the people.
The Benny Benson Memorial details this history but also displays the design of the flag itself in a big way, allowing audiences to engage with it and pose for pictures. It also takes on a special significance each year as part of Alaska Flag Day, which honors the creation of the design of the official flag. The monument has provided an additional means of connection for nearby attractions, such as the Seward Lagoon Boardwalk.
The way in which the history of the area and state have been combined with the modern community showcase what it can mean for a monument to cultivate interest with residents and visitors for distinct but equally powerful reasons.
Experiencing the History and Legacy of Alaska
Located off the Seward Highway in a location that would otherwise be empty, the Benny Benson Memorial provides audiences with multiple ways to experience the history and legacy of Alaska. Doing so has ensured residents and visitors will be able to connect with the past and present of the community in a way that extends into the far future.
