Blue Star banner, World War I   Save
Ohio History Connection Museum
Description: This flag has a red border with a white field and one blue star. It is a wool rectangular flag measuring 44 by 39 cm. Cyril H. Webster of Columbus, Ohio, donated this wool service flag in 1953. This flag was displayed in the donor's home while he served in World War I. The In Service Flag (Blue Star Banner) was patented by an Ohioan, Colonel Robert L. Queisser of East Cleveland, Ohio, on 6 November 1917. Intended for display by families who have members serving in the Armed Forces, blue star banners are also displayed in shop windows to honor the members of that organization who were serving. Most flags were homemade by mothers, though they later became mass-produced. Upon death in service the blue star was replaced by a gold one, wounded soldiers' stars were replaced by silver. One of the most famous flags was that of the five Sullivan brothers who all perished on the U.S.S. Juneau. View on Ohio Memory.
Image ID: H65301_001
Subjects: Textile--wool; Ceremonial artifact; Communication artifact; Military flags; Flags--Ohio; World War, 1914-1918; Blue Star Banner;
Places: Columbus (Ohio); Franklin County (Ohio)