Mar 31, 2005

Military Service Flags – Officially Honor Someone You Love

Military service flags are the official banners authorized by the Department of Defense for display by families who have family members serving in the Armed Forces during any period of war the US may be engaged in. The military service flag can be displayed either indoors, or outdoors, for the duration of the war and serves as a symbol of patriotism, loyalty and honor by those who display it.

The service flags are also known as “blue star banners”, or “sons in service” flags. They were originally designed by a WW I Army Captain who had two sons serving on the front line. The decorative flag took flight and soon became the unofficial symbol of a son/daughter in service.

In 1918, President Wilson adapted an idea made by the Women’s Committee of the Council of National Defenses, that mothers who had lost a child due to war could wear a gold gilt star on the traditional black arm band worn to mourn the loss of a loved one. This transition eventually led to symbolic changes in the color of the stars, where blue represented hope and pride, while gold represented sacrifice in the name of freedom and liberty.

Made of heavy satin and to government specifications, these ornamental military flags are much more than decorative accessories. They are the traditional way of honoring members of a household who have made the ultimate sacrifice by serving their country in war. Gold fringes, gilt spears, and gold cords are all part of these special service flags and if you know someone who has a loved one serving in the war, this makes a sentimental gift that can be cherished for years to come.

Who Can Display The Flag? – Service Flag Etiquette

During the Second World War, more and more people began displaying the decorative service flag. In 1942, a veteran service called the Blue Star Mothers of America was founded and they began a movement to provide care packages to military members serving overseas, or to family members suffering hardships as a result of their child, or husband, serving in the war.  These members could proudly display blue star flags for military service in their windows.

By 1960, the specifications for the design, manufacturing, and display of the service military flag had been finalized. Now, the Department of Defense stipulates that family members authorized to display the flag include: wives, husbands, parents, foster and step-parents, legal guardians, and all siblings (blood or otherwise) of those serving in the Armed Forces. The flag is to be displayed in a window at the residence of the person who is a member of the immediate family. Military retirement cerimony flags are also allowed to be displayed by retired personnel.

Because the service flag is an indoor flag, it should be flown facing outwards from the front of the window, or organization. If you decide you want to fly the American flag beside the service flag, then it must be of equal or greater proportions. It should also be placed above the service flag as a sign of honor. If tragedy strikes, the blue star is replaced by a gold star, and the service flag then takes the position of honor. The star should be placed over the blue star that is positioned closest to the staff. Furthermore, the gold star is typically smaller than the blue star so that it creates a border effect with the blue trim around the gold edges of the star.

A military service banner or flag is one of the more prized decorative banners because of the great amount of symbolism embedded within its colors and stars. It’s the perfect way to honor someone you love and is a reminder to all of the sacrifices others are willing to make in the name of freedom and liberty.

About The Author:
Angela Lanci Zaurrini is a talented and successful freelance writer. Her various writings provide relevant information and wonderfully researched resources for gardeners and garden enthusiasts wanting to learn more about gardening and gardening products. She is a young and yet experienced educator who earned her B.A. and teaching certification through Simon Fraser University, Canada. She continues her passion of sharing knowledge through her numerous writings and educational articles.

By: Angela Lanci Zaurrini
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