Who Can Display a Service Star Flag?

A service flag signifies that a family member is serving in any branch of the United States Armed Forces during a time of war or armed conflict. The tradition began during World War I and continues with our present wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Origin

In 1918, President Woodrow Wilson authorized the creation of the service flag to replace traditional mourning rituals and to instill national pride for military service.

Authorization

According to United States Code Title 36, Chapter 10, a service member's immediate family is entitled to display the service flag.

Description

The service flag, sometimes called a service banner, is white, bordered in red, with a blue star signifying each family member serving in the war.

Gold Star

A blue star on the service flag should be replaced with a gold star when a service member is killed during wartime.

Display

Service flags are typically displayed in the window of an immediate family member's home.

Production

The Department of Defense holds the copyright to the service flag and regulates its production.

References

• Flag Etiquette
• The Service Banner