This is a Blue Star Service flag from the World War II era. The flag measures 21" by 35" and was manufactured by the Dettra Flag Company of Oaks, Pennsylvania. The flag has two blue stars to indicate two family members were in service during that war period. The cotton fabric is in good condition, having only two small holes in the red fabric. It would appear that this flag originally had only one service star, and that the second was added later by a family member. One star is machine stitched and is actually attaching two stars, one on each side of the flag. The upper star is hand sewn and is only visible on the side that would be displayed towards the outside. The heading on the reverse side of the flag has Dettra's trademark BULL DOG BUNTING trademark printed in blue ink. The two zinc grommets are both still firmly attached to the heading. The all machine stitching is very tight and unbroken. The origin of the Blue Star flag began during World War I in Cleveland, Ohio. Captain Robert Quiesser was with the 5th Ohio Infantry National Guard serving on the Mexican border during 1914 -1916 when he was injured in an accident and medically retired. He had two sons serving in Europe during WWI and wanted to develop a way to recognize their service. From his efforts the Blue Star Service flag was born. These flags are sometimes called Blue Star Wive's Flags, and Gold Star Mother's Flags. The blue stars represent each family member serving during a time of war. Gold stars represent family members who have died during their wartime service. The flags became popular during WWI, but even more so during WWII. These flags are still found displayed in military families homes today.

Item # AA1500

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