During District 4 Spring Conference Randy D. Edwards and John Hartvigsen, Colonial Flag asked for a resolution on an Inclusive Service Star Banner and Flags. Motion was made and seconded and voted on unanimously. March 12, 2014
Inclusive Service Star Banners & Flags
Resolution to American Legion
Whereas: The first Blue Star Service Flag originated during World War I as a symbol for families to place in their window to acknowledge the military service of family members.
Whereas: The concept of the first Blue Star Service Flags expanded to allow organizations to acknowledge the military service of their members.
Whereas: As military members acknowledged by Blue Star Service flags were killed during World War I, the concept of the Blue Star Service Flags expanded to recognize their sacrifice by placing a smaller gold star over the blue star.
Whereas: Families and organization displayed Blue Star and Gold Star Service flags not only to honor individuals serving in the military, but to acknowledge their families and associates who are impacted by military service and sacrifice.
Whereas: Early concepts for Service Flags included symbols placed together with or upon the star to signify other categories of service.
Whereas: The displays of Blue Star and Gold Star Service flags were spontaneous acts by families and organizations that was not regulated by the government or the military.
Whereas: Since civilians displayed the Blue Star and Gold Star Service flags, the War Department had no jurisdiction of the patterns used or the details of display.
Whereas: Efforts to create a “Silver Star” Service Flag to acknowledge those wounded during military service have failed.
Whereas: That while the POW MIA Flag acknowledge those missing in action or detained as prisoners of war, the design does not follow the basic symbolism employed by the Blue and Gold Star Service Flags.
Whereas: The current Blue Star and Gold Star Service Flags fail to acknowledge other critical categories of military service.
Whereas: The current law providing the legal support for Service Flags describes the Blue Star Service Flag but fails to mention the Gold Star Service Flag.
Whereas: The current Blue Star and Gold Star Service Flags fail to acknowledge other critical categories of military service.
Whereas: The current law providing the legal support for Service Flags describes the Blue Star Service Flag but fails to mention the Gold Star Service Flag.
Whereas: Early Blue Star and Gold Star Service Flags were not commercially produced but often made spontaneously at home or by volunteer makers.
Whereas: The current law providing the legal support for Service Flags include a untenable provision that private manufacture or unlicensed commercial manufacture of Service Star Flags are subject to a $1,000 fine.
Whereas: It is appropriate to honor members of the military who suffer the effects of wounds long after their active duty service has ended.
Whereas: It is appropriate to honor family members and associates who aid and support wounded warriors when they return to civilian life.
Whereas: It is appropriate to honor members and associates of the military who are missing in action or taken prisoners.
Whereas: It is appropriate to honor family members and associates of those missing or captive as they keep hope alive for their warrior’s return.
Resolve, That: The American Legion shall sponsor and support legislation that It is appropriate to have four categories of Service Flags to acknowledge military service, wounds received defending our nation, those missing or captured, and those who have sacrificed their lives during military service.
Resolve, and be it further That The American Legion shall sponsor and support legislation that It is appropriate to acknowledge the family and associates of those honored by the four categories of Service Flags.
Resolve, and be it further That The American Legion shall sponsor and support legislation that Congress repeal Section 901 of Title 36, the U.S. Code and replace it with appropriate legislation to create the Red, White, Blue and Gold Service Star Flags, describing appropriate designs and providing guidelines for display.
Resolve, and be if finally That The American Legion shall sponsor and support legislation that further proposes that existing DOD Instructions and Regulations of the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard be rescinded and replaced with appropriate guidelines to implement this program.
RESOLVED, by Dean Mendenhall, Provo Post 13, The American Legion, Department of Utah, in regular meeting assembled in Provo Old Historic Courthouse, 51 South University Avenue, Provo, Utah this March 12th, 2014, That The American Legion shall sponsor and support organizational and if further needed Legislative support to adopt
The Inclusive Service Star Banners & Flags Resolution.
