Memorandum for the President Regarding the Recommended Flag Design

6th IOF. 102-C THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON December 30, 1958 MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT In accordance with your request of September 27, 1958, the undersigned have held several formal meetings and had additional informal discussions concerning a new design for the flag. A great many proposals were suggested by the general public, and these have been carefully analyzed by the Committee in conjunction with the appropriate officials of the Executive Branch. Your Committee first determined that it desired to recommend a flag which would retain the basic features of the present flag as to the number and positioning of the stripes as well as the size and location of the field. It then became apparent that there were two major alternative proposals which might be acceptable. The first would form 49 stars in seven rows of seven stars each with horizontal and vertical alignment. The second arrangement also would have seven rows of seven stars each, but with a staggered arrangement of the rows in a constellation. Either of these designs would substantially carry out the traditional development of the Flag, and each has merit in both precedent and aesthetic arrangement. On balance, it is the conclusion of the Committee that the staggered arrangement is preferred, and accordingly we so best recommend the attached design to you. Secretary of State Rabutts anderson Secretary of the Treasury Due a Enery Secretary of Defense David E. finley. Chairman, Commission of Fine Arts Copies filed Permanent File- Pay of the chilted states CROSS CARD FOR STAFF SECRETARY