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American Morning

Smithsonian Looks to Restore Star-Spangled Banner

Aired June 14, 2001 - 11:21   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
DONNA KELLEY, CNN ANCHOR: Today is Flag Day, in case you've forgotten. And this year, the Smithsonian's American History Museum is focusing on restoring the Star-Spangled Banner.

And for the latest, we go live to CNN's Jeanne Meserve in Washington -- hi, Jeanne.

JEANNE MESERVE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hi, Donna.

When Baltimore seamstress Mary Pickersgill and her daughter sat down in 1813 to sew a flag large enough to be seen by enemy ships at sea, they may not have realized that their creation would inspire Francis Scott Key to compose what became our national anthem. The flag that flew over Baltimore's Fort McHenry was nearly destroyed by British cannon fire during the battle in 1814.

And after the war, it became an heirloom kept by the family of Major George Armistead, the fort commander. Relics of the flag, the only one with 15 stars and 15 stripes, were snipped and shared with many who played a role in that fateful battle. Two years ago, the Smithsonian Institution launched a massive $18 million effort to preserve what was left.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

LAWRENCE SMALL, SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTE: There is no doubt that we are saving and preserving an American treasure, arguably the American treasure, because the flag has evolved through song, obviously, and story, to symbolize all that America stands for. It is, if anything else, a true national icon.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

MESERVE: The restoration work has been meticulous. Working under strict lighting and temperature controls, each thread is examined and preserved. In a year, when the work is done, the flag will be displayed at a 30-degree angle at the Museum of American History in Washington.

Museum officials say the Star-Spangled Banner continues to touch hearts and teach history to those who see it.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) SPENCER CREW, NATL. MUSEUM OF AMERICAN HISTORY: There is awe. There are tears. There's an appreciation that this flag is being preserved for future generations. In fact, during the past year, we had a group of second-graders come through the flag exhibition and spontaneously break out into singing "The Star-Spangled Banner."

(END VIDEO CLIP)

MESERVE: And while the original is too fragile to fly, the Star- Spangled Banner's place in history seems sturdier than ever. Museum officials say, once it is restored, the flag should last another 500- 1,000 years -- Donna, back to you.

KELLEY: All right, Jeanne Meserve in Washington, thank you.

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