What Are In-Service Banners and What Do They Represent?

What Are In-Service Banners and What Do They Represent?

Posted by Hayley Adams on Apr 29th 2021

In-Service Banners or flags honor those that have served or are currently serving in The United States Armed Forces. This has become an important and common tradition among American families. Our nation’s service members put their lives on the line for all of us, and one of the ways we thank them is by flying service banners in their honor.

Each banner has a specific meaning and is flown at a specific time. This quick guide will tell you when to fly which military service banner and for what occasions.

Blue Star Banners

Blue star banners are the most widely-known banners and are defined by a white field surrounded by a red border with 1-4 blue stars. Each star represents each family member serving. The first banner to commemorate someone’s military service was flown in 1917 when an Army captain had two sons fighting on the front lines. Back then, the flag was used as an unofficial representation for a child in service. As years passed, it started being used to honor loved ones of all ages who serve their country.

Traditionally, you would hang this banner in the window of your house to represent that you have a loved one serving our country. Sometimes a business or organization will hang a blue star banner to represent an employee’s active duty status.

Gold Star Banners

The gold star banner is used in much the same way as the blue star banner. When the unfortunate news of a family member’s death is delivered, the blue star is replaced by a gold one. If you ever see a gold star banner, you know the family has had a loved one who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

Sometimes a service banner might have a mix of blue and gold stars. For example, if someone has three family members serving, one of which has passed, they would have two blue stars and one gold star.

Gold Star Spouses Day

Gold Star Spouses Day is set to be observed on April 5th each year. Every year, this day brings awareness of the sacrifices and grief these spouses have faced in the name of their country. However, possibly more importantly, it brings awareness for the Gold Star survivors themselves. It was first observed in 2010 and was originally called Gold Star Wives Day. Eventually, it was renamed Gold Star Spouses Day to properly represent both the men and women who have passed away while fighting for our country.

Who Can Display In-Service Banners or Flags?

Immediate family members of those serving may display this flag in the window of their home during periods of war or hostilities that require US Armed Forces. Displaying the flag is not only in honor of those serving in the US Armed Forces, it’s also to the family’s sacrifice in supporting and, possibly, losing their loved ones for the freedom and liberties they believe in. The flag may also be displayed on the last Sunday of September for Gold Star Mother’s and Family’s Day.