Service Banner History
A National Memorial Initiative
History of the Federally Recognized Service Banners
Honoring America’s Blue, Gold, and soon-to-be Green Star legacy—from active service to sacrifice to recognition.
Chapter 1
Understanding the Service Banners
A Symbol of Service and Sacrifice
Service Banners represent the highest honor a family can receive—a public acknowledgment of their loved one’s dedication to our nation. From the earliest days of combat to the present, these banners tell America’s story of courage, duty, and remembrance.
Tradition & Honor
Established during WWI, Service Banners became a symbol of national pride and family sacrifice displayed in windows across America.
Patriotic Recognition
Each star represents a member of a family serving our country, whether in active duty, combat, or making the ultimate sacrifice.
Evolving Legacy
The addition of the Green Star acknowledges all forms of military sacrifice, creating a complete heraldic tradition of recognition.
Chapter 2
The Blue Star Service Banner
Active Service & Duty
The Blue Star represents a family member actively serving in the United States Armed Forces. This banner proudly displays the service of those who have answered the call to defend our nation, whether in peacetime or conflict.
Tradition & Honor
Established during WWI, Service Banners became a symbol of national pride and family sacrifice displayed in windows across America.
Tradition & Honor
Established during WWI, Service Banners became a symbol of national pride and family sacrifice displayed in windows across America.
Chapter 3
The Gold Star Service Banner
Death in Battle & Ultimate Sacrifice
The Gold Star honors those who made the ultimate sacrifice—military personnel who died in combat or from service-connected injuries. This banner carries the weight of profound loss and eternal recognition of their service to our nation.
Honoring the Fallen
The gold star replaces the blue star when a service member dies in action, representing the highest honor a family's sacrifice can receive.
Eternal Remembrance
These families join generations of Americans whose loved ones gave everything for our freedom and security.
Chapter 4
The Green Star Service Banner
A Symbol of Service and Sacrifice
Service Banners represent the highest honor a family can receive—a public acknowledgment of their loved one’s dedication to our nation. From the earliest days of combat to the present, these banners tell America’s story of courage, duty, and remembrance.
Tradition & Honor
Established during WWI, Service Banners became a symbol of national pride and family sacrifice displayed in windows across America.
Patriotic Recognition
Each star represents a member of a family serving our country, whether in active duty, combat, or making the ultimate sacrifice.
Chapter 5
The VA–DoD Joint Executive Committee (JEC)
The Federal Bridge to Recognition
The VA–DoD Joint Executive Committee (JEC) serves as the official federal body coordinating recognition and support for all Service Banner families—Blue Star, Gold Star, and Green Star. This committee ensures our nation’s commitments to military families are fulfilled. (Public Law 97-174, 1982, created the Joint Executive Committee, which linked DOD & VA through Health Resources Sharing and Emergency Operations Act).
Government Commitment
The JEC formalizes the federal government's role in honoring all forms of military sacrifice and supporting affected families.
Unified Support
Coordinates resources, benefits, and recognition programs across VA and DoD to serve all Service Banner families equally.
Path Forward
Establishes standards for inclusion, dignity, and remembrance—ensuring no military family faces their loss alone or in silence.
Green Star Legislators and Legislation
U.S. Senate – PA Sen. John Fetterman says he will support any Green Star legislation
U.S. Congress –
- 2025 – PA Congressman – Rep. Rob Bresnahan & Congresswoman – Rep. Madeleine Dean state they will work together to submit a bipartisan Green Star Bill.
- 2020-24 – NJ Congressman – Rep. Jeff VanDrew introduced GS Bills (HR 3027, 119th Congress ~not supported by GSFoA, HR 3076, 118th Congress, & HR 5036, 117th Congress).
PA State – State Congresswoman – Rep. Guenst is building the GS Bill and will be referred to Rep. Solomon, who is the Chair of the PA House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee
NM State – State Congressman – Rep. Alan Martinez in New Mexico is working with us to build a Green Star Service Banner Bill.
KY State – State Congressman – Rep. Griffee introduced House Bill 468 on 14 Feb 2025 – no movement.
Currently working with:
- Dr. Lance Izumi, (Senior director of the Center for Education at the Pacific Research Institute)
- Mario Guerra Mayor (ret.), (Mayor for the City of Downey in 2006- 2014)
- Kenneth Wong, (Principal in NavPac Advisors, LLC & the Union League of Phil)
- All are CASA’s (Civilian Aides to the Sec of the Army) and are afforded 3-star protocol
“We Don't Hide Our Own. We Recognize Them”.
~ Green Star Families of America
From the Blue Star of service, to the Gold Star of sacrifice, to the Green Star of lost warriors—America honors all who serve and all who are lost. This is our legacy. This is our promise. This is our nation’s heart.