Service flag
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
In the United States a service flag (Formerly sometimes called Son(s) in the Service) is an official banner that family members of service members in harm's way can fly. The flag or banner is defined as a white field with a red border, with a blue star for each family member in active duty. A gold star (with a blue edge) represents a family member that died during service, without specifying cause of death -- it could be killed in action, or died due to unrelated causes.
Manufacture of these flags are only by specific government license in the territories under American jurisdiction.
[edit] Blue Star Service Banner
The Blue Star Service Banner is a banner consisting of a wide red border around a white field containing one or more stars. The stars are typically blue, but may be silver or gold with thin blue borders. The banner indicates that members of the displaying family or organization are serving in the United States Armed Forces during a time of war. A blue star indicates an individual currently serving; a silver star indicates an individual discharged from service because of wounds; a gold star indicates an individual killed in action.
The banner was designed in 1917 by United States Army Captain Robert L. Queissner of the Fifth Ohio Infantry, in honor of his two sons who were serving in World War I. It was quickly adopted by the public and by government officials. On 24 September 1917, an Ohio congressman read 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."
These flags were first used in World War I, with subsequent standardization and codification by the end of World War II. They were not popular during the Vietnam Conflict but have come back into use. In modern usage, an organization may fly a service flag if one of its members is serving active duty.
