Think you know who made the first American flag? Chances are, your fourth-grade test tricked you into writing “Betsy Ross.” But in this Betcha Didn’t Know, Rick Burgess unravels the legend and reveals how the real story belongs to a 17-year-old high schooler from Ohio. From a B-minus history project to a call from President Eisenhower, Bob Heft’s persistence turned a sewing-machine experiment into the 50-star symbol we salute today.
Rick Burgess
Rick Burgess is a nationally syndicated radio host, speaker, author, and unapologetically Southern storyteller. Best known as host of The Rick Burgess Show, Rick has spent the past three decades engaging millions with his bold humor, honest insights, and deeply rooted faith. He’s the kind of communicator who can make you laugh out loud one minute and reflect quietly the next.
A devoted husband and father, Rick’s life and work are shaped by his strong convictions and personal experiences—including profound moments of loss and hope. Whether behind a microphone, on a stage, or here at Wisdom Harbour, Rick brings a no-nonsense perspective, real-world wisdom, and the kind of authenticity that builds trust from the first word.