Approximately one year ago, my friend's granddaughter came into our house and noted the flag that hangs above the steps to our basement. She quickly turned to grandma and asks, "Grandma, why does your Flag have only 48 stars?" I then related that before Alaska and Hawaii became states, the U.S. flag had 48 stars rather than the current 50. Then, I told her that this flag came into the hands of grandmother (Hesther Schwartz) sometime around 1944 or 45. This flag was given to Hesther, the mother of a soldier who came back from WWII in a casket.
Approximately one year ago, my friend's granddaughter came into our house and noted the flag that hangs above the steps to our basement. She quickly turned to grandma and asks, "Grandma, why does your Flag have only 48 stars?"
I then related that before Alaska and Hawaii became states, the U.S. flag had 48 stars rather than the current 50. Then, I told her that this flag came into the hands of grandmother (Hesther Schwartz) sometime around 1944 or 45. This flag was given to Hesther, the mother of a soldier who came back from WWII in a casket. This soldier was an uncle to my former wife, Marlene.
When the Grandmother Hesther passed away in the 1980s, this flag and many old photos were put into a box and were then stored in the family attic seemingly forgotten for many years.
When Marlene's father passed away, approximately 2005, the box was pulled out, and many of the photos were put on display. Following this funeral, the box was sent back to the attic.
When Marlene's mother passed away in May of 2016, the photos were again put on display. In July of the same year, 2016 we lost my wife, and all of the pictures and the box ended up in my possession. When I looked through the box and found the flag, I knew it to be a family heirloom.
I asked Marlene's three veteran brothers if they wanted the flag and was told that I could keep it as a memory for the family. In 2018, I moved to a new home and found the perfect place to display this heirloom.
As a veteran, USN 1970 - 1975 and a Legion Member, the 48-star flag will remain on display for many more years.
An heirloom of the family I loved and a memory of those who have served and gone on to their final place of rest.
48 STARS, A WWII FAMILY MEMORY!
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- Your Words