by Kathy Roth-Douquet

(Drawing by Charley Roth-Douquet, inspired by the Met's Arms & Armor Room.)

What a summer this has been for military families, thanks to the Blue Star Museum program! My kids and I travelled up the east coast late June through early August, stopping at museums along the way. The exhibits themselves were wonderful, great for any American family. But there was something very special for us as a military family, in every place that we went. We felt welcome, and even more, we felt reflected in what we saw.

In every museum, from small towns to big cities, we met smiles when we told the ticket agents that we were there for the Blue Star Museum program. Folks seemed genuinely pleased to be able to offer the program, and to support us. People who work in museums tend to love them, and so they know they are sharing something meaningful – its more than a phrase, a ‘thank you for your service.’ It’s a connection, to be able to share what these institutions have to offer.