Historic World War II Mothers' Service flag returns to Meredith Public Library

MEREDITH — Members of the Meredith Historical Society recently made a discovery among their treasures. They found a Mothers' Service Flag made in 1942 and hung at the Meredith Public Library that same year.

Just in time for Mother's Day and Memorial Day (as well as being a fitting part of America 250 celebrations), the Meredith Historical Society has partnered with the library to once again display the flag in its original home. The public is up now and the public is invited to view the flag in the library Function Room where it will hang until the end of the summer.

Service flags originated during World War I. Families were and still are allowed to display a flag with blue stars on a white field bordered with red for each family member serving in the armed forces, or a gold star if one died in service.

Soon after the beginning of American involvement in World War II, a gathering of the Meredith Mothers of Sons in Service was at the Red Cross Rooms on Friday evening, July 24, 1942, with 22 mothers present. It was decided that the group should be a permanent organization. A committee was appointed to look into prices of service flags, and at the organization’s third meeting on Sept. 13, it was decided to purchase a cotton bunting flag 8' by 10', to be presented to the town. Double-faced stars for each service member could be added at 10 cents per star. Donation boxes were made up to be placed with local merchants. By the October meeting, $60 had already been raised.

The flag was presented on Armistice Day, 1942, and the ceremony began with Advancement of the Colors, singing of "The Star-Spangled Banner," and reading of the names of departed Legion members by Post Chaplain Leander Pynn, followed by a minute of silence. Names of boys currently in service were read aloud as each star was uncovered on the flag, followed by a prayer written by one of the mothers and sung to the tune of "God Bless America," by the club members.

The flag was then accepted by Selectman Aaron Clark, followed by songs for each branch of the service, including "Sing, Sing So They Can Hear You" for the Army, "Anchors Aweigh" for the Navy and Coast Guard, the Marines' Hymn, and the Air Corps song, speech by Rev. Johnson A. Haines, the Pledge of Allegiance, "America," sung by the audience, Retirement of the Colors, and a Benediction by Rev. Ronald Bezanson. The flag was displayed at the Meredith Public Library.