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Blue Star Service Banners Make Comeback - Each Star Represents Family Member In Armed Forces
koat ^

Posted on 03/20/2003 9:33:05 AM PST by chance33_98

Blue Star Service Banners Make Comeback

Each Star Represents Family Member In Armed Forces

POSTED: 10:41 a.m. EST March 19, 2003 UPDATED: 10:45 a.m. EST March 19, 2003

RACINE, Wis. -- Some families are using a tradition from years past to honor their loved ones sent overseas to serve in their hearts and minds.

Blue Star Service banners were a common sight in windows across America in World War I and World War II.

"Back in World War I where people would put up these banners to signify that they have a son or daughter or someone serving in the armed forces," said Frank Patino Sr., of American Legion Post No. 310.

The banners have one star for each family member serving, but the banners weren't as popular in recent conflicts, and younger people may not recognize them.

Now the American Legion is rekindling the tradition.

In Racine, Wis., Post 310 gave out 10 banners last year, but now as more men and women are being called to duty, requests for banners are coming in.

Patino said that the Racine American Legion post has given out the most Blue Star Services banners in Wisconsin and the nation.

"It's starting to get around the community, and people are starting to realize what these banners are all about," Patino said.

"The idea they're being remember and everybody is hoping and praying that they'll come home, and that's the biggest thing," said Gil Rendon, whose daughter is in the Marines.

If you're interested in ordering a banner or finding out more about them, you can order them online at www.legion.org/attack/docs/bluestar.htm

You can also contact your local American Legion post.


TOPICS: Miscellaneous
KEYWORDS: americanlegion; bluestar

1 posted on 03/20/2003 9:33:06 AM PST by chance33_98
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To: chance33_98
My grandmother had 3 blue stars during WW II - all in the Pacific. One of them - her youngest son (19) - turned gold.
2 posted on 03/20/2003 9:40:09 AM PST by Chesterbelloc
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To: armymarinemom
Pingo!
3 posted on 03/20/2003 9:53:38 AM PST by metesky (My retirement fund is holding steady @ $.05 a can)
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To: chance33_98
One of the cars passing by our Support Our Troops rally last weekend had a blue star flag displayed in the rear passenger window.

Mrs. dd has a 2-star lapel pin that belonged to her grandmother. Pretty impressive.

4 posted on 03/20/2003 9:59:20 AM PST by Diver Dave
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To: chance33_98
I have my flag reflected with my American flag on my homepage. The photo is looking into my window while it was reflecting.
http://www.100megsfree4.com/rnrsq/
5 posted on 03/20/2003 10:59:35 AM PST by armymarinemom
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To: armymarinemom
Awesome Photo!
6 posted on 03/20/2003 11:06:05 AM PST by chance33_98 (www.hannahmore.com -- My new website, under construction)
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To: armymarinemom
That is a really good picture!

See you Saturday at the mall? Madame Dufarge and I will be there.

7 posted on 03/20/2003 12:01:31 PM PST by metesky (My retirement fund is holding steady @ $.05 a can)
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To: metesky
I have a table next to the Clear Channel at the Mall Saturday.
8 posted on 03/20/2003 1:35:46 PM PST by armymarinemom
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To: armymarinemom
Oh good! Rose and I will try to get by and see you.
9 posted on 03/20/2003 1:39:44 PM PST by metesky (My retirement fund is holding steady @ $.05 a can)
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