Blue Star and Gold Star Service Banners
History
A Blue Star Service Banner displayed in the window of a home is a long tradition in America. The Banner lets others know that someone in this home is serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. The Blue Star Service Banner reminds us all that military service touches us all.
The Blue Star Service Banner was designed and patented in 1917 by World War I Army Capt. Robert L. Queissner of the 5th Ohio Infantry who had two sons serving on the front lines. It quickly became the unofficial symbol of a child in the service. On Sept. 24, 1917, an Ohio Congressman read the following into the US Congressional Record: "…The Mayor of Cleveland, the Chamber of Commerce and the Governor of Ohio have adopted this service banner. The world should know of those who give so much for liberty. The dearest thing in all the world to a father and mother - their children."
During World War II, the Department of War issued specifications on the manufacture of the Banner as well as guidelines indicating when, and by whom, the Service Banner could be displayed or the Service Lapel button could be worn. The Banner can be seen hanging in the front window of Mrs. Ryan's house in the movie” Saving Private Ryan.” The Blue Star Service Banner is an 8 by 14-inch white field with a blue star(s) and a red border. Today, Blue Star Service Banners are displayed by families who have a loved one serving in the Armed Forces, including activated members of the National Guard and Reserves, whether the family member is a son, daughter, brother, sister, wife, husband, cousin, grandchild, etc. The Banner displayed in the front window of a home, shows a family's pride in their loved one who is serving in the military, and reminds others that preserving America's freedom demands much.
The Blue Star represents one family member serving in the armed forces. A banner can have up to four stars, signifying that four members of that family are currently in military uniform on active duty.
A Gold Star replaces the Blue Star if that relative was killed or died in service. If more than one star appears on the flag, the Gold Star takes the place of honor nearest the staff.
Blue Star Service Banners, while widely used across America during World Wars I and II, were not embraced during the Korean or Vietnam wars with nearly the same enthusiasm.
Blue Star Mothers and Gold Star Mothers organizations were established during World War I and remain active today.
Today's Efforts
The American Legion, the Association of the United States Army-Redstone/Huntsville Chapter and the North Alabama Veterans and Fraternal Organizations Coalition are rekindling the tradition and spirit of pride in our military men and women. Banners are presented by the NAVFOC, on behalf of its membership, to each family in recognition of their sacrifice. The Coalition has presented more than 1,000 banners since September 11, 2001.
For more information about the Blue Star and Gold Star Banner programs, please contact StarBanners@NAVFOC.org
“We, as a nation, can never repay our Gold Star families for their immense sacrifice that they have made. We pray, that in our own small way, we are able to show these families how much our community cares for them.” - CSM (R) John Perry