Silver Star Banner Day

The Year: 2009
The Date: May 1st
The Recognition: Silver Star Banner Day

Today, May 1, 2009 is the day that thousands of cities, towns and counties across the United States have signed proclamations in recognition and in honor of all military service members that have returned home wounded--visibly or invisibly, or suffering from an illness that was caused from their combat service time. It has also been recognized by the majority of the states. These figures only reflect those that the Silver Star Families of America has been notified of.

So, what does this mean? It means citizens from all over the United States are remembering the sacrifices that these veterans, men and women, have made and that their sacrifices are not going unnoticed. It means that they are remembered, they are acknowledged. Their courage is not questioned and it is only respect that is given to them.

For those that have given a part of themselves while serving in our military during combat status we, as Americans, want to Thank You. The towns, cities, counties, nor the states were not forced to sign these proclamations, they were asked if they would and many did. America's patriotism has not diminished!

The silver colored star was originally part of the Service Banner, The Sons In Service Flag, introduced in 1917 during World War I. At that time silver thread was hand sewn over the blue service star to indicate a family's loved one was wounded. Following World War II the use of the silver star diminished. In the year 2005 The Silver Star Families Organization was formed and a new banner was designed. Since beginning the distribution of service banners and flags, the organization has distributed unprecedented amounts of both.

Silver Star Families' main mission is to recognize our wounded and ill from combat zones that have served honorably and present them with the Silver Star Banner and certificate. The organization recognizes, remembers, assists, and are advocates for the wounded and ill. They also educate the families and the public on the veterans plight. They accomplish these items through many programs they work on. For more information on Silver Star Families of America go to: http://www.silverstarfamilies.org

There is an effort currently taking place requesting to have the U.S. Congress recognize this banner as the official recognition for the wounded and ill veterans.

Please honor and recognize the sacrifices made by our military service members today and every day.

And when you see a Silver Star Banner in a window or a Silver Star Flag flying from a staff, remember that someone returned home in a different manner than what they left for our nation's freedom.

Darryl Worley: I Just Came Back From A War

Tribute to Wounded Service Members and Veterans