Were you aware that our nation has three Service Banners along with a lesser-known American War Mother’s Flag? Many people know the meaning of the Blue and Gold Star Banners, but few realize there is also a Silver Star Banner or flag.
The Blue Star flag or service banner represents the home of someone who has a family member in active service.
The Silver Star banner or flag displays a Blue Star Covered with silver threads to representWounded service personnel
The Gold Star Banner, with a blue edge, represents a family Member who died during military operations.
A footnote to the service banner history is the use of The American War Mothers Flag. It is a banner consisting of a white field with a prominent red border. At the top of the flag is a Blue Star, representing all those who served in World War I, with the number “4,695,039” in blue figures below the star to denote the number who served. Across the center of the flag are the words “United States Service Flag.” Below these words, there is a Gold Star to honor the “60,672” who gave their lives in service, with these numbers rendered in gold figures below the star. The original woolen version of this flag was first flown over the U.S. Capitol on Armistice Day (November 11), 1926 and is still flown every year on Veterans Da, the 11th day of the 11 month, starting at 11 minutes after 11 O’clock to sundown.
