It is the first thing people see when they walk up to our door. It is a reminder to everyone who comes to our home that there are sacrifices being made, lives put in danger, families torn apart, to give each of us our hard earned freedom.
We hung it in our window when Chris left for Afghanistan to let him know we are proud of him, to let Aubrey know she is not alone and to let their children know we consider each of them a hero for having sacrificed a year of their young lives without their dad.
Here is a little history:
The Blue Star Service Banner was designed and patented in 1917 by World War I Army Capt. Robert L. Queissner of the 5th Ohio Infantry who had two sons serving on the front lines. It quickly became the unofficial symbol of a child in the service.
On Sept. 24, 1917, an Ohio congressman read the following into the Congressional Record: "…The mayor of Cleveland, the Chamber of Commerce and the governor of Ohio have adopted this service flag. The world should know of those who give so much for liberty. The dearest thing in all the world to a father and mother - their children."
Someday I will give it to one of Chris's children when they are old enough to truly appreciate the sacrifice their dad made for America.
But for now, I will respectfully roll it up and put it away for safe keeping, hoping to never have to use it again.
We love you Chris.
Welcome home!
3 comments:
Please give Chris and Aubrey my love -- your blog sounds as though he actually has arrived home -- I've been holding my breath waiting to hear the wonderful news!Your sacrifice, Tylers, means so much to all patriots in this great country of ours.
Welcome home to Chris!! Thank you for sacrificing your time with your family to fight for our country! I'm so happy for your family that he made it home safely!!
Yes, hopefully you will never use it again!! Preston is such a cutie in that pic.
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