Choosing a Service Banner for a Marine Family

What is the historical significance of the blue star service banner?

The blue star banner originated during World War I as a way for families to visually identify their loved ones serving in the military.

• Captain Robert L. Queisser designed the original flag in 1917 to represent his two sons serving in the trenches.
• Woodrow Wilson gave his official approval to the concept, which helped the banner become a national symbol of pride.
• 1918 legislation allowed mothers to wear a gold star on a black armband if their child died in service, cementing the color-coded system.
• Department of Defense guidelines now oversee the official specifications for these banners to maintain their historical integrity.

What are the official regulations regarding the display of a service banner in a private residence?

There are no federal laws or official military regulations governing how a private citizen displays a service banner in their own home. You have full discretion over placement, though common practice suggests a street-facing window. A lot of people assume the government mandates a specific protocol for removal once the service member returns, but there is no such requirement. Families often choose to keep the banner displayed for the duration of the deployment and remove it only once the service member has safely returned to their home station.

Are there specific guidelines for how to properly display a banner for a deployed service member?

Yes, the banner should be displayed in a window facing the street so the star remains upright and clearly visible to passersby. If you have multiple stars, make sure they are arranged in a vertical column or a horizontal row to maintain a clean, respectful appearance for the service member.

What is the difference between a Blue Star banner and a Gold Star banner?

A Blue Star banner signifies a family member currently serving in a war zone or during active hostilities, while a Gold Star banner honors a service member who has died while serving.

Use these designations to make sure you are displaying the correct symbol that accurately reflects the current status of your family member.

How should a service banner be retired or disposed of when a service member returns home?

When a service member returns home, the banner should be removed with the same level of respect afforded to a national flag. Many families choose to fold the banner neatly and store it in a commemorative box or a display case alongside other military mementos. If the fabric has become frayed or damaged beyond repair, it is appropriate to dispose of it through a dignified ceremony, such as burning it privately or handing it to a local veterans' organization that performs flag retirement services.

An exception exists for families who wish to keep the banner as a permanent heirloom. In these cases, the banner should be cleaned professionally and framed behind UV-protective glass to prevent fading over time. This preserves the item as a tangible piece of family history for future generations to honor.

Are there specific materials or sizes recommended for banners intended for indoor versus outdoor use?

Indoor banners are typically made of lightweight cotton or polyester, while outdoor banners require heavy-duty, weather-resistant nylon to withstand environmental exposure.

Match the material to your specific display location to prevent premature degradation of the fabric and the star design.

What is the protocol for displaying a service banner if a family has multiple members currently serving?

Families with multiple members serving should display a banner featuring the total number of blue stars corresponding to each active service member.

• Two stars are often arranged vertically, though a horizontal arrangement is also acceptable if the window space is limited.
• Three stars should be placed in a triangular pattern or a straight line to make sure each star is distinct and easily recognized.
• Four stars are typically arranged in a diamond shape or a two-by-two grid to maintain symmetry within the white field.
• Multiple stars must never overlap, as each individual star represents a unique person currently serving in the armed forces.

Where can families purchase official or verified service banners that adhere to traditional design standards?

Yes, you can purchase verified banners through the American Legion or the Veterans of Foreign Wars, both of which offer items meeting traditional specifications. These organizations often provide banners measuring the standard 8 by 14 inches, ensuring your purchase supports veterans' groups while maintaining historical accuracy.