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 
I love how I still feel the ‘cliffhanger’ tension even though I know the ending! They gave you such a great welcome on the Intrepid.
Best wishes, Pete.
I still feel the same cliffhanger tension! They really gave us an incredibly warm welcome. Many thanks, Pete.
In a world filled with negativity, this wonderful series is a timely reminder of who we really want to be.
That’s so nice, Barb. Thank you!
I agree with Pete! Again! 😁 am excited for the next chapter!
I’m like a child with these cliffhangers! Thanks, FR.
🤣🤣
This part is so exciting. I can’t wait for the next part. (even though I know what happens!)
I feel the same way, Darlene! Many thanks!
ooh, this gave me chills at the end! i never knew that someone rescued the Intrepid and the story behind it. everyone must have absolutely visiting the Intrepid! great cliffhanger here, your story keeps growing and getting better and better! this is what happens when you are open to the universe of possibilities and do good work in the world.
The story of the Intrepid is a great one. I’m glad you now know! We really had the grand tour, and what happens will keep getting better! I love your last sentence!!! Thank you, Beth.
This Milly Series has been a wonderful way to instill a love of their country for these children. It’s needed so much to counteract attitudes like those of the disgraceful person who would wipe her hands on the flag.
I’m glad you said that. I felt it was time to re-post the series for all the reasons you said. Many thanks!
I’ve really been enjoying this story! And as one of the people who does not know the whole story, I can’t wait for the next part!
I’m so glad, Karma. Thank you!
Oh, man where will the quilt go next? It is very exciting. I am looking forward to Pt. 7!
Thanks, Deborah! I’m glad.
Heartwarming Jennie ㅤꨄ︎
Thank you, Cindy!
This is such a great story, Jennie. It would make a terrific children’s book.
Oh, you’re right, Robbie! Making quilt’s story would make a great children’s book.
Liz, check out what I said to Robbie. 🙂
🥰
I’ve thought about that… but it’s written for adults. I’d like this to be part of my memoirs, something like “The Joy of Teaching.” The children’s book I’d love to publish is the children’s illustrations of “God Bless America.”
That makes sense. 🙂
I think so, too.
😊
That sounds wonderful 🙏💞
Thanks, Robbie!
Although I know what happens I can’t wait to see what happens in Part 7. Still love the story.
I’m so glad, John. Many thanks!
😊
I loved the connection to the Intrepid Museum. I love that museum. We’ve been there several times.
Did you like the flight deck the best, or the insides of the ship? I’ll never forget all the brass workings, and of course the huge number of aircraft on the flight deck. I’m so glad you have been there, Dan! Can you believe my class was there with the quilt?
I liked the flight deck, but I really enjoyed the hanger deck. I’m a sucker for descriptions of big mechanical things. I went back after the renovations. Prior to then, you couldn’t go into the anchor room. Seeing those massive windlass and chains.
I think it’s wonderful that your kids were able to go. That’s a memory they will hold forever.
Thanks for telling me, Dan! You have a wonderful memory, too.
I took my friend David there on one of his visits. The following year, he took me to the Imperial War Museum in England. Both are wonderful memories.
Nice! Very nice!!
Oh, I remember what comes next and am excited to read it again.
That’s great, Pete!
Wowza, Jennie. What a huge honor and, even more so, what a great adventure for the kids. Who knew that Milly’s quilt would undertake such a journey? It goes to show that kindness, creativity, and a little effort can make a huge difference. Your students will carry this experience with them for the rest of their lives.
It was a big wowza, Diana. I had no idea the Intrepid would jump at the opportunity to see the quilt. I think the journey comes from paying attention to the children and ‘doing something’ about their passion. Yes, kindness, creativity and effort are the frosting on the cake. Many thanks, Diana!
I’m so glad you are keeping this story alive, Jennie. Each stitch is imbued with wonder and love, and the same comes through in each of your words. Big hugs. 🤗
What a beautiful thing to say, Teagan. Thank you! I’m really glad I’m sharing this story again. Mega hugs! 😍
Okay – now I am REALLY wondering what she said after the phone call – hmmmm
Posted today! 🙂
great 🙂 be over soon
🙂
“Beth’s eyes were as big as saucers”… oooohhhh…. what a great hook!
Thank you!
my pleasure! x
Such a beautiful story Jennie. 🥰
Thank you, Debby! 💕