The Blue Star Flag and Family

The Blue Star Banner was designed in 1917 by National Guard Capt. Robert L. Queisser. He had two sons serving in World War I and was very proud of them. His original, patented design included a solitary blue star to indicate one family member was in military service and in conflict.

A U.S. Congressional resolution from 2013, “Blue Star Service Flag is the official banner authorized by the Department of Defense for display by families who have members serving in the United States Armed Forces during any period of war or armed hostilities the Nation may be engaged in for the duration of such hostilities.” Congress and Blue Star organizations do not stipulate that a service member must be deployed. They only state that the service member must serve during time of war. If the Blue Star person is killed in combat the Blue Star is covered with a Gold Star.

The Blue Star movement has made a comeback. After World War II, a war-weary American public lost traction with the Blue Star program. It did not fall completely out of sight, but conflicts in Korea and Vietnam dampened public support. After 9/11 there was a groundswell of support for U.S. military personnel and the Blue Star Banner made a comeback. Today, many families still fly the banners and wear lapel pins.

File Photo

One very important Blue Star organizations, is the Blue Star Mothers. Since our mothers raised us from birth they know our reactions to different problems better than anyone else. Unfortunately they may not know how to help, particularly with traumatic stress problems. But they can be taught what to do to save their child and teach other mothers. As an organization associated with military interests the VA and other Veterans’ organizations supply that training. For as Veterans we can assist the Blue Star Mothers in this way.

Unfortunately there are thousands of military troops afraid to come home due to the fear of the “Mental Disorder” label, that if diagnosed, could be a label for life. Because of this they will not seek professional help. Their mothers can be a great help and even get them to their family clergy and family doctor.

So, Blue Star Mother’s organizations please tell us how to instruct our Veteran organizations how they can help you grow larger and stronger. I honestly believe you can make a major reduction in the military and veteran suicides. Let’s work closer together.