Benny Benson was a young Alaskan boy known for designing the flag of Alaska. Born in 1913, he created the flag as part of a contest held in 1927 to find a symbol that represented the territory. His design featured eight stars, which represented the Big Dipper and the North Star, symbolizing Alaska's connection to the night sky. Benny's flag was officially adopted on May 2, 1959, when Alaska became the 49th state of the United States. His contribution is celebrated in Alaska, and he is remembered for his creativity and the lasting impact of his design on the state's identity.