DALEVILLE – “We are seeking out all of our Blue Star families. Our goal is to find them all,” said Ed Bennett, a member with American Legion Post 240.
A Blue Star Service Banner hanging in the window of a home is a reminder that military service touches nearly every street. It’s a symbol that whoever lives in that house has a loved one actively deployed.
Bennett explained there is not a comprehensive list of Botetourt County residents who are currently serving in the military. So far, the American Legion has issued three Blue Star Service Banner since the program started recently.
Jeff and Angie Hodges of Buchanan received a banner in honor of their son, Coulter. The 2019 graduate of James River High School graduated as a Private First Class from the U.S. Marine Corps boot camp located at Parris Island, S.C., in May. He completed his Marine combat training at Camp Geiger, N.C. in June. He presently serves in the U.S Marines Reserve.
To Angie, the banner is a symbol of pride for country and all who serve. “It is an acknowledgement of their service, and what they are willing to forfeit to protect our country and its people. I see the banner as a sign that someone in that household has been deployed, and to please pray for the family and their service member knowing they have been deployed.
If Coulter is deployed, the banner would be displayed in one of the Hodges’ window.
Dawn Jordan Wright of Eagle Rock received a banner for her daughter Hannah Jordan serving in the U.S. Marine Corps. She is currently on active duty in California.
The program is headed by Terry Tucker of Fincastle, herself a Blue Start mother. Her son Andrew serves with the U.S. Marines Corps in Europe.
Bennett explained Blue Star Service Banners are returning to vogue. They were widely used during both World Wars, but were not embraced during the Korean and Vietnam wars. “The American Legion rekindled that spirit of pride in our military following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attack by providing the banners to military families across the nation,” he explained.
The federal government has set strict guidelines on the manufacturing and awarding the banners. The banner is officially defined as consisting of a white field with red border and a blue star for each family member serving in the Armed Forces. They also must be made in the U.S.A.
The program is made possible by the Blue Star Mothers of America Inc. and the Blue Star Families of Central Virginia, American Legion Post 240.
For more information on the Blue Star Service Banner, contact American Legion Post 240 at (540) 525-8852, email POST240AML@gmail.com or write American Legion Post 240, P.O. Box 782 Daleville, 24083.
American Legion hanging Blue Star flags in Botetourt
