Honoring Our Servicemen and Women

by Steffani McChesney

Even though the wars are virtually over in Afghanistan and Iraq, there are still American lives at stake in these far-flung lands. Our young men and women in the Armed Forces are still deployed in the service of their country and still in need of the support of their fellow Americans. One of the ways we can show our pride and support is to hang a Blue Star Service Banner in the front window to show that a member of our family is serving in the one of the branches of the Armed Forces.

This banner was designed and patented in 1917 by an Army Captain, Robert L. Queissner, who had two sons serving on the front lines during World War I. The banner was quickly adopted by the public as the symbol of “those who give so much for liberty. The dearest thing in all the world to a father and a mother-their children.”

Guidelines were issued during the Second World War controlling the size and design of the banner since many were sewn at home. Up to five blue stars could be added to each banner, each star depicting a family member serving in the military on active duty. If the individual dies while on active duty the star is changed to gold signifying the ultimate sacrifice of the family.

Blue Star Service Banners were not as widely displayed during the Korean and Vietnam wars, but the terrorist attacks of 9/11 have brought a new enthusiasm for the banners, supported by the American Legion. You can find out more about Blue Star Service Banners by going to the American Legion web site at www.legion.org.

Many quilters across the country are making these banners as mini-quilts to hang in the window. If you want to make a Blue Star Service Banner for your family or for a friend who has a family member serving you can go to www.quilterscache.com for instructions.