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.
Jennie
A Teacher's Reflections 
So exciting to feel the tension! I am anticipating great news about the quilt! 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
I’m glad you feel the tension, Pete. Stay tuned!
Ah Jennie that’s a cliff hanger!!
Thank you, FR!
Oh, my goodness, cliff hanger!! I need Part 7 now!!!
I promise to post it soon. Hang tight to that cliff, Liz!
My fingers are slipping, but I’ll try my best to hold on!
Thanks, Liz! 😀
You’re welcome, Jennie!
You certainly know how to keep the readers´ interest!!
Thank you, Darlene! Hang tight.
Jennie you are such a tease! This journey is worthy of a book…” The Children That Showed Us America Is Great!”
Ooo… I like that title! Thank you, Pam.
How exciting!
Thanks, Beth!
Thank you, Ritu!! 🥰
That is just so wonderful.
Thank you, Anneli!
Hanging in there… 🤩
I’m so glad!! 😀
ME TOO!
😀
Oh Jennie, your photos and re-recounting of this has me remembering how much I wanted to visit this museum…Thanks for the push in the butt to put it closer to the top of my bucket list.
As you know, my Dad was on the first commissioned mission…then got dropped off in SDCA for an emergency operation which ultimately saved his life as his shipmates went on to their untimely death…
For myself, I could always see “if not for his operation, I’d not be here’ BUT for him? Not so simple a conclusion to make…
Love you, lady!
That is quite a story about your dad. I can understand how he felt. Remind me again, what is SDCA? The multitude of aircraft on the flight deck of the Intrepid is something you will truly want to see. Thank you, Laura!
Oh, SDCA is just my own careless abbreviation for San Diego, CA!!!! Sorry about that! During WWII there was a naval base station there and was where Dad had his operation – not sure if it’s still operational…I’m not much for keeping up with that sort of thing – again, sorry!
Ah! That makes sense to the story. Thanks, Laura.
Whew!
🙂
Oh gosh, where will that phone call lead you, Milly, the children, and the quilt?!!! I’m on the end of my seat waiting to find out!!
I know!! You won’t be disappointed, Deborah! Tomorrow or Monday.
😀
What an adventure!!!
Thanks for enjoying the adventure, Don! Much more ahead!
John, you were the one who taught me how to write cliffhangers. Thank you!
Don, apologies that I also replied to John on your comment. Sheesh!
This is great, Jennie. Come on part 7.
John, you were the one who taught me how to write a cliffhanger. Thank you.
You do a great job.
😀
Ok, you got us😁 now can you just spill the whole story already!!!!😋
Haha! Tomorrow.
I’m on tenterhooks!
I’m so glad! 🙂
You have mastered the art of the cliffhanger, my friend. I can’t wait.
Thank you, Pete. 😀
I am just amazed at everything that has happened and now I can’t wait to hear what happens next.
That’s wonderful to hear, Carla. Thank you!
Tease… I’m on tenterhooks here…
Tomorrow, Geoff. 🙂
I would have loved to see the quilt on the hanger deck of the Intrepid. I visit that museum on a fairly regular basis, but this sounds like a good idea.
I felt the same way, but the quilt really is quite big. I was happy they were very interested and steered me to the Fisher House. Meant to be!
How very exciting it all was, Jennie.
I feels like yesterday, and the excitement is still with me!