We Have a Blue Star Banner in Our Window

Someone asked me what the Blue Star Banner on my blog means. It simply means that someone in this home is proudly serving in the United States Armed Forces.

The Blue Star Banner is properly displayed in a front window of the home. It should be hung inside, not outside.

The Blue Star Banner was first used during World War I. Some history of the banner can be found on the American Legion Website.

"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 line. It quickly became the unofficial symbol of a child in the service.

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. 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.”

Other websites or blogs that might be helpful in learning more about Blue Star Banners include:

• Blue Star Mothers of America
• Blue Star Moms
• American Gold Star Mothers
• America Supports You
• Directions for making a Blue Star Banner Quilt (believe it or not)

One of the interesting things that I have found is that the Blue Star Memorial Highways historical markers we see along American highways were taken from the tradition of the Blue Star Banner. The Blue Star Memorial Highways historical markers are tributes to Armed Forces that have defended the United States of America.

And that is what being a Blue Star Family is about. Hope it helps.