Families receive Blue Star banners to honor military service
Naperville American Legion Post 43 and VFW Post 3873 presented Blue Star Banners on Sunday to families with loved ones serving in the armed forces.
Families with spouses, children and even grandchildren serving were on hand at the Judd Kendall VFW Post in Naperville to accept their Blue Star Banners, a certificate and a lapel pin to show support and honor their loved ones.
“This honors people who have someone in the military,” said Jim Vahle of American Legion Post 43, the events master of ceremony.
Blue Star Banner recipient Dan Burris of Lisle, whose son Ryan is serving in the U.S. Navy, said the banners represent that “we support the troops, not just our son but the rest of them.”
“I can’t explain it, it means a lot,” recipient Greg Gennett of Medinah added.
The Blue Star Banner started in World War I and its use continued into World War II but fell out of favor during the Korean and Vietnam wars. The use of the banner to honor and show support for those serving in the armed forces gained popularity again after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
The flags have one star for each family member serving in the military and can hold five stars.