In Part 5, the children were over the moon singing “God Bless America” at every opportunity. We sang for soldiers, and made our own God Bless America book for families, writing and illustrating all the words to the song. Children still wanted more- I could tell. Milly to the rescue to make a God Bless America quilt. The Intrepid Museum in NYC was interested in the quilt!
Part 6
The USS Intrepid was a US Navy aircraft carrier commissioned in WWII and in service through the Vietnam war. When it was decommissioned in 1974, Zachary Fisher rescued the ship. It was restored and opened as a museum in 1982.
I did not know of Zachary Fisher. He becomes important to the quilt later on.
The children and Milly were treated like kings and queens aboard the Intrepid. First, we were rescued from the long line by the museum’s Curator and whisked onto the carrier. We had a personal two-hour tour. I remember all the old, beautiful brass used throughout the ship, the tight quarters, and displays of Navy memorabilia. The flight deck is home to many different aircraft. That part of the ship alone is well worth the visit:
The quilt was put on display in the central part of the ship. The Curator and other staff were present to see it and give us an official welcome. The public visited the quilt, oohing and aahing, and asking Milly questions. And then, the children were asked to sing! With Milly’s beautiful voice leading the children, “God Bless America” could be heard throughout the ship. There were school groups who stopped by, excited to see the quilt and ask questions. I enjoyed asking them to find different parts of the song on the quilt, much like an I Spy. That was fun!
As our visit was nearing an end, Jessica the Curator pulled me aside to have a talk with me.
“Jennie, the quilt is absolutely stunning. Thank you so much. Our Executive Board meets the first of each month, and the quilt is on their agenda. I will be calling you soon.”
Awesome!
A few weeks later Jessica called.
“Jennie, I have good news, although not what you imagine.”
“Okay.” My heart was pounding.
“The Executive Board feels the quilt isn’t the right size for the Intrepid Museum. Space and hanging will pose a problem. It’s too large for the very limited wall space on the hanger deck.”
“I understand.” My heart was sinking.
“They have made a unanimous decision. Unanimous! They love the quilt.”
“Okay.” My heart was soaring.
“Do you know of Zachary Fisher?”
“I believe he was the guy who rescued the USS Intrepid and turned it into a museum. Right?”
“Right. But he did much more than that. He was a philanthropist and a great supporter of the Armed Forces. He established many different foundations. One of the biggest and most important is the Fisher House Foundation. They provide “homes away from home” for families of hospitalized military personnel.”
“Wow. Like Ronald McDonald houses for families of sick children?”
“Exactly. The Executive Board wants to donate the quilt to the Fisher House Foundation. I hope you agree with me and with the Board that this is quite an honor.”
“Of course, Jessica. And thank you so much.”
So, the God Bless America would take another twist and turn. Milly thought this was one of the best adventures. “Jennie, we had a great trip to the Intrepid. They wanted to see the quilt and have us visit. And now, there is something new.” I just love(d) Milly. First, I received a phone call from the head of the Fisher House Foundation. Obviously the Intrepid Museum had been in touch. They’re located in Rockville, Maryland.
We decided it would be appropriate and fun for the children to deliver the quilt themselves to a Fisher House in Boston. In that way, it would be more ceremonious and meaningful. And, more children and families could attend since this would be nearby- not in New York City. The Fisher House could then mail it to the Foundation.
Perfect. Or so I thought.
We arranged for this big event. Everyone wore red, white and blue. We all met at the Fisher House, which had just been built that year (an important part later). Beth, the Director, greeted Milly and the children with such warmth. We were escorted into the living room where we unveiled the quilt. Beth’s eyes were as big as saucers. She hadn’t said anything. Then she said, “Will you please excuse me while I go make a phone call?” When she returned, I never expected to hear what she was about to say… stay tuned for Part 7.
A Teacher's Reflections 
What a journey!!
Indeed! And it’s not over yet… Thank you, Opher.
You are good at cliffhangers!! What an amazing story.
Thank you, Darlene. 🙂
Jennie, with all the mayhem and discord in America at the moment, it is wonderful to teach American children and children around the world that will see this, that regardless of what has befallen us now, we are still America the beautiful, in all ways. Thank you so much, Karen 🙂
Yes, we are America the beautiful, in all ways. Thank you, Karen. 🙂
Reblogged this on K. D. Dowdall and commented:
Jennie, with all the mayhem and discord in America at the moment, it is wonderful to teach American children and children around the world that will see this, that regardless of what has befallen us now, we are still America the beautiful, in all ways. Thank you so much, Karen 🙂
Thank you so much, Karen!
Jennie, my pleasure and thank you for sharing this inspiring, heartwarming and beautiful story that you made happen for the children and all of us. Karen
It is a pleasure to write a story that needs to be told and remembered, especially when it left it’s mark on children. 🙂
Jennie, yes, it is a beautiful and heart felt story. Not only is it beautiful, it is life changing in ways that last forever with it’s message of caring, giving, and sharing. Something that not evident in this America at this time. You have supported and made incredibly good things happen for children and the country we love. It only takes one flame to light a brilliant fire of goodness that changes hearts and minds. I am going to be reblogging the entire story in another week, one a day for a week. Karen 🙂
That is so nice, Karen! Thank you!! There is always a flame of goodness. We just have to light it. Best to you, my friend. 🙂
The same to you Jennie, because you are goodness itself. Thank you, Karen 🙂
Aww… 😊
Wow, what an adventure. Now, I’m putting down all my painting chores and waiting for the next installment. Oh, I suppose I can paint and wait, but you know my priority, now. Nice story and such a great thing to do, Jennie et al.
Thank you, Steve. I’m so glad you are enjoying the adventure. It really is quite an adventure! Hang onto your hat for more… and please keep painting. 😀
Just redid the laundry room. Something tells me that there will be another ‘honeydo ‘ before too long.
Probably true. 😀
This has been a wonderful journey Jennie. I can only imagine how much fun the children had and how happy and proud you all were. Patiently waiting…
Thank you, Dan. Very proud, indeed. Patience is a virtue, although not my strong suit either. 🙂
Left us on tenterhooks, Jennie! 🙂
Great story about the Intrepid. What a day that must have been.
Best wishes, Pete.
I know, kind of a cliffhanger, Pete. What a day, indeed. And the next turn is… well, you’ll see. Best to you, and many thanks. 🙂
Milly was part and parcel of so many adventures!!
She was, Ritu! 😀
💜
This story gets better and better. Thanks, Jennie.
Thank you, John! 🙂
🙂
I echo everything written above (including “this story gets better and better,” which is exactly what I was thinking as i read John’s comment). I also love that “God Bless America,” a song written by Russian immigrant Israel Baline aka Irving Berlin (who fled as a small child about the same age as your students from ongoing anti-Jewish persecution in Tsarist Russia) is such an important theme/leitmotif in your saga. I. too, look forward to future installments!!!
I feel the same way, Will. When I did some research on Irving Berlin, his roots spoke to me. I’m sure the children notice that I sing the song with a heart as big as the moon. Another interesting fact is that he decided to give the proceeds of the song to the Boy Scouts of America. Thank you, Will. Your comments are so appreciated.
beautiful story!
i’m impressed with the depth of your teaching.
i spent many years teaching health lessons
to kids and smile to your skills,
and also this tribute 🙂
Thank you!
Oh Jennie, what another twist to your amazing story of this Quilt.. And Oh how wonderful that couple of hours must have been in Intrepid. I know how I enjoyed my tour of the Royal Yacht ” Britannica” birthed in Edinburgh Scotland on our visit last year. So I know How trilled the children must have been..
Can not wait now to see what that she was about to say…… 🙂
I’m so glad you enjoyed this, Sue. Yes, another twist, and even more. That day on the Intrepid was wonderful, I’m sure it was like your tour of the Britannica. Parents and children still talk about the Intrepid. Thank you so much, and hang onto your hat!
cant wait. ❤
🙂
Lol Jennie, great cliffhanger! What a fantastical voyage so far with that quilt! 🙂
Thanks, Debby. It really was a fantastical voyage! Hard to believe there is still lots more ahead. The pleasure of writing all of this confirms and reinforces the amazing voyage of the quilts.
Jennie, you can later rewrite these posts and make a book from it. Food for thought. 🙂 x
I’ve been hearing that a lot. It is definitely good food for thought. Thanks, Debby. 🙂
🙂
I can’t even imagine leaving behind such a legacy, Jennie. You honor Millie well with this series. Hugs!
When I started I expected that it would take three posts to write her legacy. Boy, was I wrong. There was/is so much to tell. Thanks for reading along. 😀
Ooh, Jennie. I can’t wait for part 7. Post it quick!
😀😀😀
A cliff hanger, Jennie. You had better write part 7 quickly. So very exciting. It is so wonderful that you were able to find someone like Milly to help turn your ideas into reality.
I think Part 7 should definitely be soon! It really is exciting. I was very lucky to find Milly. Yet in retrospect, I wonder if it was far more than luck. Things happen that make you realize there is so much more. So glad you are enjoying the adventure, Debby! 😀
Yes, some things are in the stars or our life plan.
Indeed!
Robbie, apologies!! I had just typed a reply to Debby, so I called you Debby. Sigh!
No problem, Jennie. I have been known to do that too.
I feel much better. 🙂
Such an exciting history to where the beautiful quilt ends up. Funny how things work out in sometimes peculiar ways, or how being told no can really turn into a bigger YES!
Well said, Marcia! The ‘no’ can be a bigger blessing. The history is certainly exciting. I’m so glad you are enjoying this quilting adventure. Thank you. 🙂
A cliff-hanger! Ack! What a great adventure. Can’t wait for part 7!
Thanks, Diana 😀. Oh, there is more. Part 7 soon.
Oh my gosh I have goose bumps! What next? Sitting on the edge of my chair waiting to find out!
Thank you, Deborah. Hang on for more. Part 7 soon. 😀
The children as well as you and Milly had some wonderful experiences because of the quilts. I can hardly wait for the next chapter. So much intrigue.
Thank you, Marlene. We all did for sure. Part 7 is soon! 🙂
Jennie, Once again, this is wonderful!
Thank you!
Reblogged this on charles french words reading and writing and commented:
Here is the next installment in Jennie’s wonderful series!
Thank you, Charles!
The quilt is fantastic, and the idea too. Thank you for sharing this journey with the youth. Michael
Thank you so much, Michael. 🙂
Patriotism is more than being proud of where we came from….It is about having pride in what we try to be to each other, about the struggle to rise above and present our better angels to the world. Amazingly it is always the children who help us to see the simplicity of things… starting with the joy of being part of creating something important together!
Well said, KC. Through the eyes of babes…😀
So good I got here a bit late, now I won´t have to endure that awful cliffhanger! LOL! Can´t wait to hop over to read part 7!! 😀
Late can be a good thing! 🙂
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Thank you, Karen!