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Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
World War II Service Flag
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.

World War II Service Flag

Artifact IDMO 2005.329
Object Type Flag, Service
Maker
MediumTextile (cotton), Paper (cardboard), Wood, Paint
Dimensionsoverall H 13 in x W 9 1/2 in (33 cm x 24.1 cm )
Physical DescriptionA small, crocheted World War II service flag. The flag has one crocheted gold star and three crocheted blue running vertically down the center of a white background bordered in bands of gold, blue, white, and red. The service flag is sewn to a cardboard backer. Inserted between the flag and backer, at the very top, is a wooden dowel with gold-painted finials. Tied to the dowel is a thin, gold-colored 22" crocheted rope (for hanging) with a tassel on either end.


Historical NoteDuring World War II, “service flags” like this one were displayed in many American homes. A blue star indicated a family member was serving in the military. A gold star signified a family member had died while in service. This handmade needlework flag was sent to Franklin Roosevelt by the maker, Esther J. Cheals of Pasadena, California.
Additional Details
National Archives Catalog CollectionFranklin D. Roosevelt Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 735948)
National Archives Catalog SeriesGift Items and Commemorative Artifacts (National Archives Identifier 782690)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedCopyrightReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.
In Collection(s)
Not on view