By By Merriline Garrett,
American Legion Auxiliary Unit No. 90
Does anyone really know what the Blue Service Star Banners mean?
The Blue Star Service Banners were designed and patented in 1917 by World War I Army Captain Robert L. Quissner of the 5th Ohio Infantry, who had two sons serving on the front lines. The banner immediately became the unofficial symbol of a child in the service.
The banners were a common sight during World War I and World War II. In 2001, the American Legion revived this tradition and spirit of pride in our military men and women following the horrific terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
The Blue Star Service Banner is an 8-by-16 inch white field with a blue star(s) sewn onto a red banner. Each star represents one family member serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.
A Blue Star Service Banner displayed in the window of a home is a tradition in America. The banner lets others know that someone in their home is serving in the U.S. Armed Forces or has been activated in the National Guard or Reserves.
As citizens steel themselves for the long and difficult "War on Terrorism," the Blue Star Service Banner tradition reminds us all that this new war touches every neighborhood in our land.
It also shows a family's pride in their loves ones serving in the military, and reminds others that preserving American freedom demands much.
Blue Star Banners are available for $6.95 per banner. We can order them from National.
This is a great opportunity to honor all that wear the uniform and a very visible patriotic reminder of our loves ones serving our country. With ours and your support and promotion of the Blue Star Banner, we will always keep those in harmds way in our thoughts and prayers.
God Bless America.