Alaska and Hawaii join the United States

           
I remember when our flag only had 48 stars. It was a big deal to add the two new stars for Alaska and Hawaii. On July 4th 1959, when the stars were officially added, my sister Eileen had an idea for the big parade in downtown Whiting. She dressed Frank up as an eskimo, Debbie as Hawaii, and me as Uncle Sam. Everyone loved it and we won 2nd prize. I remember going over to Mertle avenue and picking up our $5.