Article Contributed on: 3/30/2009 7:13:31 AM
The Blue Star Service Banner was designed, and patented in 1917 by World War I Army Capt.
Robert L. Queisser of the 5th Ohio Infantry who had two sons serving on the front line. It quickly became the unofficial symbol of a child in the service. 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."
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. 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.
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 American Legion is rekindling the spirit of pride in our military men and women following the horrific terrorist attack of Sept. 11, 2001.
Today families, who have a loved one serving in the armed forces, including the National Guard and Reserves of all military departments, display Blue Star Service Banners. The banner displayed in the front window of a home shows a family's pride in their loved one 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 five stars, signifying that five members of that family are currently in military uniform on active duty.
Data on the Blue Star Banners History was provided by The American Legion National Headquarters Website