Katie received her Blue Star Service Banner in the mail this week and we are proudly displaying it in our front window…
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.”
During World War II, the Department of War issued specifications on the manufacture of the flag as well as guidelines indicating when and by whom the Service flag could be flown or the Service Lapel button could be worn.
The Blue Star Service Banner typically displayed in windows is an 8.5 by 14-inch white field with a blue star(s) sewn onto a red banner. The size may vary but should be in proportion to the size of the U.S. Flag.
Today Blue Star Service Banners are displayed by families who have a loved one serving in the armed forces including the National Guard and Reserves of all military departments. 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. It can also be displayed by businesses and organizations as well.
There are some sorrowful things in our world and my world right now. It is wonderful to have hope in all God has done for us through Jesus Christ…
Hope you have hope in the one who is able to save all that is lost.
Corinthians 4:16-18
New International Version (NIV)
16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
The Happy Wonderer ~ ellen b. 
So sobering, the deaths of the 31 soldiers in Afghanistan. I can not even imagine what it’s like to be a military family…loved one’s far away. Praying His strength and comfort to you and yours.
I think of your Katie often, and remember her in prayer. While I never had to wait at home while The Great Dane fought on foreign soil, I spent many months alone when he was in the Air Force. I’m so glad that Katie has such a loving and supportive family to buoy her up as she waits.
“Hope you have hope in the one who is able to save all that is lost.” I like this sentence! Well-writ! This sort of mentality is the one that drives my prayers, because it is so easy to be hopeless until you remember that God is big enough! Will be praying for you and Katie more often.
Agreed….sorrowful things happening in the and my world, too. Praying for you all.
Amen! I’m sorry you are experiencing sorrow, but I am glad you know the One who can turn your sorrow into gladness, your weeping into joy. So glad Katie has all of you to support and care for her during this time of separation.
Knowing over two dozen families will know have the gold star signifying a lost child…my eyes are teary.
Praying for you and your family.
Blessings,
Debora
I admire the way you show your support for those fighting on behalf of your country.
Andrew and Katie have been in my prayers often in the last few days. May God protect, comfort and provide both solace and reassurance to all of you.
God Bless America.
Love that banner and the meaning.