Blue Star in the Window.
I shamelessly lifted this image from Trying to Grok, where Sarah has proudly displayed it on the right sidebar of her site. I hadn’t seen one of these in years.
The symbol was very popular in World War II, when it was displayed in the window of virtually every home that had a family member in service. Some windows would bear two, three or four stars. The blue star was exchanged for a gold one if a family member died in service (hence, the organization of “Gold Star Mothers”).
Unbeknownst to me, my mother put such a sign in our front window the day I left to report to the Army, and she did not take it down until I returned home for good. I had forgotten that she had put the sign up, and I recall being flooded with emotion when, upon my return, she kissed me on the cheek, walked into the living room and took the sign down.
I like the idea, and I wish that everyone with a family member in service would put up the sign. That way we would more easily know who the people are who are deserving of an extra helping of respect and admiration.
I’ve had one up in my window for over a year now. My grandson calls it “Daddy’s star”.
Comment by Rita — March 21, 2004 @ 9:42 am
I also remember one in front door window when I returned from the nam. I didn’t know what is was for. I’m going to get one for my window when my son gets activated.
Comment by chef of da future — March 21, 2004 @ 12:15 pm
The American Legion sells these in all forms. I had one in my house window and one on my car for when my husband and I were activated. I got to take them down last week.
Comment by kenna — March 21, 2004 @ 1:07 pm
Kenna,
Thanks. I’m going to see that my Legion Post has an ample supply of these for families who have someone serving on active duty.
Comment by Jim - Parkway Rest Stop — March 21, 2004 @ 1:10 pm
Until I can get one for the window, I’ll be putting that one in my blog, for the GM1… who, btw, is going on his 9th deployment very soon. *sniffle*
Comment by LeeAnn — March 22, 2004 @ 8:05 pm