MISSION STATEMENT
The BLUE STAR BANNER PROGRAM strengthens, supports and seeks to enhance patriotism throughout Washington.
VISION STATEMENT
Honoring the local men and women serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, by proudly displaying Blue & Gold Star banners throughout Washington communities (current communities approved: Bremerton, Kingston, Port Orchard, Poulsbo, Seabeck, Silverdale, Port Angeles, & Belfair).
Brief history of the Blue Star Banner
Although many are familiar with the Blue Star program, the “Blue
Star” symbol began around 400 BC when Alexander the Great made use of
it as a sign of great heroism. The Purple Heart also contained the blue
star, but years later it was changed to its present design.
The Blue Star Flag was created in 1917, hanging in homes to denote
family members serving our Armed Forces; each star represents a family
member proudly serving our country. The idea spread to include
businesses and churches, a star for each employee or member who had gone
to war.
The program also was implemented during World Wars I and II, honoring
once again those serving our country.
After the September 11th terrorist attacks, the whole country came
together again showing their patriotism. There is no better time than
now to bring back the “Blue Star Program”.
About the Founder
Lynette George is the mother of two sons who had been concurrently
serving 2 tours in Iraq. She decided to undertake a project to honor our
military in Kitsap County but since has expanded the Program to
other communities in Washington State.
While driving through the streets of Temple City, California a suburb of
LA, Lynette was overwhelmed by the touching display of street banners to
support their military personnel. The community had these large banners
proudly hung for each local service member, this “Blue Star Banner
Program” (BSBP) has spread to several cities in California. This
provided inspiration for Lynette to bring this sign of patriotism to
Kitsap County and now Washington State. The BSBP recognizes and supports
our “local” military personnel who are currently serving in our
Armed Forces.
Forming the non-profit organization "Blue Star Banner Program" was a
momentous task. Working with local government, politicians, businesses,
utilities and a host of others, the BSBP was successfully launched in
2005. Lynette hopes that all our citizens are as deeply moved as she was
with the first glimpse of this program in Temple City.
6-foot tall Blue Star banners are created for each “local” military
member proudly serving our Country. The banners will be displayed
throughout their home town for as long as the member is serving our
country or 3-5 years the life expectancy of the banners.
Gold Stars are displayed for those who have died while protecting the
freedom of our Country. Please click on the Gold Stars to see our
hometown heroes.
Download "About the Blue Star Banner Program" |
This program is dedicated to Lynette's sons:
Wayne George
USMC
Christopher Weimar
US Army
|
