My great-grandfather, Francisco (Frank) Buhagiar brought this fragile white lace back with him from Malta during a trip to visit his family in 1947.  Frank came through Ellis Island alone at 16 years old from Malta.  He came to find work so he could send money back to his family.  He lived with an older cousin who was already living and working in America.  My great-grandfather became a U.S. citizen and proudly served in the U.S. military during World War II.  This Maltese lace is hand made with the George Cross in the center. The George Cross was awarded to the island of Malta by King George VI of the United Kingdom in 1942 to “bear witness to the heroes and devotion of its people” during the great siege in World War II. The George Cross is woven into the Flag of Malta.  This piece of lace has been passed down through the family and is now in a frame in my house.  It did get damaged at some point over the years.  This object is important because it represents to me the bravery of my great-grandfather who was so young to come to America and leaving his parents and sisters.  He brought the beautiful lace back in 1947 after a visit with his sisters and other family members.  He gave the lace to my great-grandmother who later gave it to my grandmother and then to my mother.  My grandmother told me that her father (Frank) used to say “there is no more beautiful place on earth than Malta.” 

– C

Relationship:  Great-grandchild of im/migrant or more Great-grandchild of im/migrant or more