barb, dont over stress this. i know the importance and you want it to be perfect as i would. just put a tiny shim in the gap with some glue then sand it and no one will ever see it. as for a base, it can be as simple as you wont or as fancy. id go simple as a respect for the flag and what it means myself. nice work girl !😎

working with my hands is a joy,it gives me a sense of fulfillment,somthing so many seek and so few find.-SAM MALOOF.