About the Blue Star Banner and the Event
A Blue Star Service Banner displayed in the window of a home is an American tradition. The banner lets others know that someone in the home is serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.

The Blue Star Service Banner was designed and patented by a World War I Army officer in 1917. It quickly became the unofficial symbol of a child in the service.

Blue Star Service Banners, while widely used across America during the First and Second World Wars, were not embraced during the Korean or Vietnam wars with nearly the same enthusiasm.

The American Legion has rekindled the program. Now, as the long and difficult “war on terrorism” continues, the Blue Star Service Banner tradition reminds us all that this new war touches every neighborhood in our land.

It is designed to elevate public exposure of people serving in the Armed Forces as well as the sacrifices their families endure and energize towns to publicly thank their military neighbors in a joyous day of fun for the entire family. It is a timely and much-needed “support-our-troops” event.

This day of festivities centers on the recognition of those serving as well as a presentation of a Certificate of Honor to local military personnel or a representative from their family. Additional symbols of thanks are given to their spouses and children, including a Certificate of Appreciation and a Blue Star T-Shirt. We also provide a free meal and drinks to everyone present.

Unlike the following weekend, when Americans pause and mourn the passing of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting and defending the United States against its enemies, this day is set aside to celebrate. The goal is to make the families of those in the Armed Forces proud and happy they have a relative serving our country, and to reward them for their contributions. It is also a chance for the military to display their armamentarium for civilians to see and, in some instances such as helicopters or tanks, to allow visitors to sit inside and see what they are like.

We invite you to join with families from the Tri-State area and show our appreciation for the men and women, and their families, who are serving these great United States. Please take the time to register any family member serving in the Armed Forces by using the link below. If your organization would like to help sponsor the event or participate in it, please click on the Sponsors link.