KODIAK, Alaska (AP) - The building that once housed ... Ellis decided to hang an American flag from it after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11. “Our flagpole had fallen down, and we felt it ...

and his flag has waved proudly ever since. Benson died in 1972, but he is still remembered fondly throughout Alaska. The Kodiak airport is named for him, as are several roads and a school.

Daren Herman, grandson of Alaska flag designer Benny Benson, was in the state for the first time to accept an honorary degree ...

There were also speeches from other high-profile individuals like Alaska Senate President Gary Stevens, City of Kodiak Mayor Pat ... all the way to her bow with flags waving in a light breeze.