The Significance of Military Star Flags
Posted:
June 02, 2018

Origin of the United States Service Flag
The flag was designed by Robert L Queisser, a captain in the United States Army. He made the flag to honor his two sons who served in World War I. Members of the public and government officials quickly adopted the use of the flag as a symbol of having a child in the service. In 1918, President Wilson approved a suggestion made by the Women’s Defense Committee that any mother who lost a son in active duty could wear a gold gilt star on a black armband. It then became a tradition to change the blue star with a gold one to show that you had a family member who died while engaged in hostility or war during Armed Forces service.World War II
It was during World War II that the use of the flag became much more widespread. The Blue Star Mothers of America was founded in 1942. The organization was set up as part of a campaign to aid those serving overseas and their families, who faced difficulties while a family member that was serving on active duty. Almost every single home or organization either displayed the Blue Star Flag or the gold alternative.
Military Star Flag Specifications
In 1966, the Department of Defense laid out a number of specifications, including who is authorized to display and manufacture the flag. The DOD states that only immediate family members are authorized to display the flag. The design of the flag is specified to be a white rectangular field with a blue star or gold star inside a red border. No other advertisement should be used along with the flag. The Department of the Army will grant licenses to approved manufacturers only within the United States to produce the flag or the lapel button. If a manufacturer wants to be granted a license, they must make a personal application to the director of the Army. Once the application is granted, a certificate of authority will be issued. They will also be provided the approved specifications for manufacture, from which they cannot deviate.