This 48-star American flag will not be ignored. It is the memorial flag of U.S. Army veteran Jay Henry, my wife’s uncle and, by marriage, my uncle. My wife knows almost nothing about him. Call him an unknown soldier. He was his mother’s first illegitimate child, fathered by some married man who never acknowledged him. Perhaps we can. He and his half-sister were born in Paragould, Arkansas in the 1920s and raised by his grandmother. Many aunts also looked after him. The family story is that he joined the Army to get away from all that second-hand mothering. He probably served in World War II and died not long afterwards. My wife is not even sure what his given name might be. Now we have Jay’s flag. Beyond photographing it, what shall we do with this flag of someone we never knew and of whom we know little? And where will it go after we die?
PHOTO PRAYER 2025-08
Photo of a folded 48-star American flag. Photo and text copyright 2025 by Danny Nelson Schweers.
COMMENTS
Peggy H. wrote:
Perhaps send it home to a High School history teacher in the Paragould area? The kids can see a flag and touch a 48-star cloth flag that wasn’t made in China like flags are today. Maybe a story can be told with it when they are studying WWII and those who served from their area. Fly it maybe but just don’t put it behind glass. The kids need to feel the weight of it.
Saundra J. wrote:
Danny— call the Smithsonian. … and they will give ideas. Keeping the memory alive and “real” into future generations.
Mike C. wrote:
That is one heartwarming story. It sure reminds me of the truth in the sentiment: “But for the grace of God go I.”
Robin D. wrote:
Old objects take on a persona and power of their own, through time, through symbolism, and through the contact we have with them. It is beautifully fitting that you have photographed the flag as a portrait. It engages our mind to imagine the person who is very present here.
Ellen Dolmetsch edolmetsch@gmail.com wrote:
How about a Veterans association?
Audrey C. wrote:
Wonder if there is a veteran memorial flag project somewhere? GOOGLE suggests VFW, American Legion, Scouts for proper retirement, VA National Cemeteries.
Jeannie B. F. wrote:
Dear Danny, I love your photos and short reflections, especially this one of Uncle Jay Henry’s life and flag. I will remember him.
Craig S. wrote:
So if he was born in the 20s and died in the war, he was probably in his 20s when he passed away? As were many in that day. Poor guy, not much of a life. My dad left for the war instead of marrying the gal he left pregnant. Result: a half sister that was unknown to myself and my sister for many years.
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