Friday, July 4, 2008

Happy 4th Of July

God Bless America

"While the storm clouds gather far across the sea, Let us swear allegiance to a land that's free, Let us all be grateful for a land so fair, As we raise our voices in a solemn prayer. God Bless America, Land that I love. Stand beside her, and guide her Thru the night with a light from above. From the mountains, to the prairies, To the oceans, white with foam God bless America, My home sweet home."

My mom made our family the Service flag that is hanging in the window. I put it up the day Steve left for Iraq and can't wait for the day to come when I will take it down.

The Service flag was first displayed in the front windows of homes during World War I to signify a son or husband serving in the Armed Forces. The flag quickly became known as the "son in service flag" with each blue star indicating one family member. During World War II, the Department of War issued specifications on the manufacture of the flag as well as guidelines indicating when and by whom the Service flag could be flown.

The blue star represents one family member serving in the Armed Forces. The blue star is covered or replaced with a gold star to indicate that the family member was killed or died during the war or period of hostilities. The blue star represents hope and pride, and the gold star represents sacrifice to the cause of liberty and freedom.

Each blue star indicates one family member serving in the Armed Forces of the United States. If multiple stars are shown, a gold star takes the place of honor nearest the staff.

The Service flag may be displayed in a window of the place of residence of persons who are members of the immediate family of Service members serving in the Armed Forces of the United States during any period of war or hostilities in which the armed forces of the United States may be engaged, for the duration of such period of war or hostilities.
serviceflags.com

Thank you to all the service men and women and to their families for their willingness to serve our great nation.
Thank you Steve, we love you!
God Bless America

5 comments:

Tobi said...

Awesome! Great post and beautiful picture!

Elyse said...

Wonderful post! I never realized that the flag had such a history in WWI and WWII.
~Elyse~

The Dragonfly said...

I've seen those flags before and never known what they were for. Thanks for the history - and for making me grateful once again for your husband and the many others serving us all.

Nunazuna said...

Very beautiful Jodi! What a great piece of information. Thanks again for you sacrifice. I hope you all had a great 4th of July. Lot's of love and prayers to you and your family.

Rachael said...

Thinking about you a lot lately! Still want to dish. Let's chat when you get a chance!