[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 117, 108th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
BLUE STAR FLAG AND GOLD STAR--SUPPORT
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Whereas the Blue Star Flag (commonly referred to as the ``Blue Star
Banner'') was patented and designed in 1917, during the height of
World War I, by Army Captain Robert L. Queissner of the 5th Ohio
Infantry, who had two sons serving on the front lines;

Whereas the Blue Star Flag quickly became the symbol for a family member
serving the Nation in the Armed Forces, and families began proudly
displaying these flags in their front windows during World War I;

Whereas each Blue Star on the flag represents a family member serving in
the Armed Forces and symbolizes hope and pride;

Whereas beginning in 1918, the Blue Star would signify the living, and a
smaller Gold Star would be placed on top of the Blue Star, forming a
blue border, if the family member was killed or died while on active
duty, to symbolize the family member's sacrifice for the cause of
freedom;

Whereas Blue Star Flags were displayed widely during World War II;

Whereas many of the flags displayed during those wars were hand-made by
the mothers of those serving in the Armed Forces;

Whereas the legacy of the Blue Star Flag continued during the Korean,
Vietnam, and Persian Gulf Wars and other periods of conflict, as
well as in times of peace;


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117 STAT. 2943


Whereas the Blue Star Flag is the official flag authorized by law, at
section 901 of title 36, United States Code, to be displayed in
honor of a family member serving the United States on active duty in
the Armed Forces during a period of war or hostilities, while the
Gold Star may be displayed in honor of a family member who has made
the ultimate sacrifice for the Nation;

Whereas for over 85 years, families have proudly displayed the Blue Star
Flag showing United States service personnel the honor and pride
that is taken in their sacrifices for freedom;

Whereas the flag may be displayed by members of the immediate family of
a loved one serving in the Armed Forces;

Whereas the flag may be flown by families with a service member
stationed either domestically or overseas;

Whereas the display of the flag in the front window of a home shows a
family's pride in their loved one and is a reminder that preserving
America's freedom demands great sacrifice; and

Whereas such a reminder is especially timely during the current conflict
with Iraq and the global war on terrorism: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring),
That the Congress--
(1) honors members of the United States Armed Forces and
their families;
(2) calls on all Americans to honor the members of the
United States Armed Forces and their families, to recognize the
importance of the Blue Star Flag and the Gold Star and their
symbolism of the devotion and service of the members of the
United States Armed Forces, and to advance awareness of the Blue
Star Flag and the Gold Star through all appropriate information
and media channels; and
(3) encourages the families of members of the Armed Forces
to proudly display the Blue Star Flag or, if their loved one has
made the ultimate sacrifice, the Gold Star.
Sec. 2. The authority on which this resolution rests is the
authority of Congress to make all laws which shall be necessary and
proper as provided in Article I, section 8 of the United States
Constitution.

Agreed to April 11, 2003.