BLUE STAR FLAG HISTORY
An old tradition that still lives...
The Service Flag was first displayed in the front windows
of homes during World War I to signify a son or husband
serving in the Armed Forces. The flag quickly
became known as the "son in service flag" with each blue
star indicating one family member. During World War
II, the Department of War issued specifications on the
manufacture of the flag as well as guidelines indicating
when and by whom the Service Flag could be flown or the
Service Lapel Button could be worn. (An example of the
flag can be seen hanging in the window of Mrs. Ryan's
house in the movie Saving Private Ryan. Another
great movie with the Service Flag is The Majestic!)
The blue star represents one family member serving in the
Armed Forces. The blue star is covered or replaced
with a gold star to indicate that the family member was
killed or died during the war or period of hostilities.
The blue star represents hope and pride, and the gold
star represents sacrifice to the cause of liberty and
freedom.
Each blue star indicates one family member serving in the
Armed Forces of the United States. If multiple stars are
shown, a gold star takes the place of honor nearest the
staff.
In 1966, the Department of Defense revised the
regulations and the specification for the display of the
Service Flag. Although some families did display the
flag, we can only speculate that due to the open contempt
that was publicly displayed during the Vietnam conflict,
few families chose to display the Service Flag, or even
knew of its existence.
The Service Flag is authorized for display by Americans
to honor their family members who are serving in the
Armed Forces of the United States during ANY period of
war or hostilities. It is not necessary for the
Service member to be stationed overseas, or be present
where hostilities are taking place. All of the
military service members contribute to the performance of
our Armed Forces regardless of where they are located,
and they can also be called upon at any time to enter
combat!
Our Armed Forces continue to participate in activities to
combat the War Against Terrorism, and to police unrest
throughout the world. Keep America proud of our Armed
Forces by participating in this custom to honor our
servicemen and women and to recognize and acknowledge the
risk their families face while their loved ones fight to
protect our freedom and security!
Please join us in reviving this almost forgotten
tradition by displaying the flag, wearing the button, or
telling your friends that have family members serving in
the Armed Forces. serviceflags.com
If you are interested in being part of a support group,
please consider joining the Northern KY Blue Star Mothers
Organization. For more information regarding the
Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc., please visit their
site at:
bluestarmothers.org
or contact Chapter 5 President, Kimberly Piol
kimberlypiol@hotmail.com.
The Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc. is authorized by
the
U.S. Code: Title 36; Section 943, as of January 26,
1998.
The Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc. is a non-partisan,
non-political organization. We do not support any
political candidate nor do we endorse any religious
organization. The military represents all aspects of
America as does our organization. Links to our website
does not represent an endorsement.
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