On Memorial Day

[18thVirginia]

we honor the memory of those who fell under the flags of this nation. Today, I'd also like to salute the women who sewed those flags:

Philadelphia

Betsy Ross

Flag Shop - Navy Yard

Women sewing flags in factory, Margaret Bourke-White

I realize that some of these are from later than the Civil War era, but just for this day, I hope you'll give me a pass. Also, there seem to be fewer flag sewing photos from that era than other photos of women sewing.

 

[18thVirginia]

Women also sewed uniforms to for soldiers to wear.

 

[AshleyMel]

Love these pictures! As I am sewing more and more I'm, beginning to understand the effort this took! I spent a whole afternoon machine sewing a panel for a SMALL project I'm working on and by the time I was done my shoulders and neck were stiff and my fingers were curled and aching! When hand stitching the binding on a table topper my eyes became blurred and tired very quickly, never mind I had stuck myself more times than I could count! These ladies were truly dedicated. Very inspirational!

 

[JPK Huson 1863]

What a terrific thread, thank you 18th Virginia! There were the most formal presentation ceremonies, too, as men left, row by ominous row, for war. I can never see these shreds without thinking of what they looked like when cut and tacked, waiting for pressing and final stitching, you know?

 

[JOHN42768]

One of the many things that were needed that we never think about. Thanks for posting.

 

[Cavalry Charger]

Tireless and true. This is a big shout out to women everywhere who do what is needed to be done when their men go away to war.

 

[Stony]

Women also sewed uniforms to for soldiers to wear.

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Saw a big smile in the second pic.

 

[18thVirginia]

One of the many things that were needed that we never think about. Thanks for posting.

Reading the young women's diaries, several talk about making flags and I thought about it on Memorial Day as I put out nylon flags in the island in front of our house.

 

[18thVirginia]

Tireless and true. This is a big shout out to women everywhere who do what is needed to be done when their men go away to war.

We think of women knitting socks and sewing uniforms, but not always that they made the flags we see.

 

[JPK Huson 1863]

Reading the young women's diaries, several talk about making flags and I thought about it on Memorial Day as I put out nylon flags in the island in front of our house.

Thought about this thread, putting our flags out yesterday.

 

[Seduzal]

Many thanks to all hero's who served, fought, died, was wounded both men, woman, kids.
Thank you for your service.

 

[JPK Huson 1863]

For Memorial Day and all the flags over the graves of the fallen.

 

[scone]

To many to list morn them all … But last known to me was in May 68 year I was born Dec 68 Different war different period but He volunteered on the his last mission .. RIP Lloyd A Cone

 

[Vicksburger]

From Wikipedia: The United States National Park Service and numerous scholars attribute the beginning of a Memorial Day practice in the South to the ladies of Columbus, Georgia. On April 25, 1866, women in Columbus, Mississippi laid flowers on the graves of both the Union and Confederate dead in the city's Friendship Cemetery, claiming to be the first "Decoration Day". The early southern Memorial Day celebrations were simple, somber occasions for veterans and their families to honor the dead and tend to local cemeteries.
Have a happy and safe Memorial Day!

 

[donna]

Excellent thread. So glad it brought back up.

 

[gentlemanrob]

I love seeing all of the pictures of Memorial Day History I wish all people would take the time to remember what this holiday is about.

 

[CWH1234]

Wow, Never seen pics of old flag factories.

 

[MRB1863]

The flag factory photos are interesting! There are many stars present (not to needle anyone in the thread).

 

[O' Be Joyful]

For Memorial Day and all the flags over the graves of the fallen.

As long as We...Remember, they are not really gone.

And, long may she wave.

Everyone be safe this week-end.

 

[Arioch]

Women also sewed uniforms to for soldiers to wear.....

I have to ask....were there mechanical sewing machines during the ACW era?...the foot pump variety?