Service
Star Flag or Banner
Also, referred to as the "Blue
Star Banner"
The Department
of Defense has authorized these flags to be
displayed by "the immediate family"
of a member or the Armed Forces of the United
States during the country's current "war"
status. The flag has a white background, with
a red border and a blue star in the center
of the flag. (One star for each family member serving
in the Armed Forces.) A "gold" star
indicates the death of the Service Member.
This
flag or banner dates back to World War I when it
was originally commissioned for the families
of servicemen. The original design by Captain
R.I. Queisser was copyrighted in 1917. Legal
title subsequently passed to the government.
The flag was revived during World War II and
used during the Korean Conflict as well as
the Vietnam War.
The Service Banner is generally
hung in the window of the home of "the
immediate family" of the Service member.
The Service Flag may be flown in conjunction
with the United States Flag, but always in a subsidiary position.
In 1967, the United States Congress codified the manufacture and use of the flag/banner. Manufacturing of the flag/banner requires a license. Flags International® is one of a few select companies with special authorization and license only granted by the US Department of Heraldry to manufacture and sell this flag/banner.
