Flag Day (June 14)

I have been thinking about Flag Day and how it always reminds me of my Mom.

I lived in Bethesda, MD, for about seven years, and she came to visit me once over Flag Day. 

The Museum of American History in DC had a giant flag (Old Glory?)* hanging from the upper floors into the main rotunda, which Mom wanted to see, so we bopped down for a fun Thursday in DC.

*The flag is actually “The Star Spangled Banner” that flew over Fort McHenry and inspired Francis Scott Key to write the national anthem.

But it wasn't there! It had become so frail that they were doing a major conservation project. Mom was a talented seamstress and loved history, so she was fascinated. We spent a good 30 minutes chatting about the history of the flag and watching the white-gloved sewers carefully stitching backing underneath the threadbare stripes.

The entire museum was so much fun to experience with my Mom -- the first ladies' dresses, the first post office, the different eras, President Lincoln's funeral relics, etc. It was a fun AND emotional day, and we were completely exhausted at the end. I am so glad I was able to share that with her.

Strange that tomorrow is Fathers' Day and my biggest memories are of Mom! 

Click here for more about the Museum of American History.