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| A Blue Star Service Banner displayed in the window of a home is an American tradition. The banner lets others know that someone in the home is proudly serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. As Americans do their best to support Operation Iraqi Freedom and the ongoing war on terror, the Blue Star Service Banner tradition reminds us all that war touches every neighborhood in our land. |
The Blue Star Service Banner was designed and patented in 1917 by the World War a Army Captain Robert L. Queissner of the 5th Ohio Infantry who had two sons serving on the front line.
On Sept. 24, 1917, An Ohio congressman read the following into the Congressional Record: "...The Mayor of Cleveland, the Chamber of Commerce and the Governor of Ohio have adopted this service flag.
During World War ll, the Department of War issued specifications on the manufacture of the flag as well as guidelines indicating when and whom the Service flag could be flown or Service Lapel button could be worn.
The Blue Star represents one family member serving in the armed forces.
Blue Star Mothers and Gold Star Mothers organizations were established during World War l and remain active today.
Blue Star Service Banners, while widley used across America during World War l and ll, were not embraced during the Korean or Vietnam wars with nearly the same enthusiam.
The American Legion is rekindling the sprit of pride in our military men and women following the horrific terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. The American Legion is providing banners to families in communities across the nation.