ESCANABA -- In times of war and peace, the American flag is a beacon of hope. But there's another flag out there, not as well-known, that also stands for honor and remembrance.
It’s called the Service Flag, or the Blue Star Banner, and many parents, like Kathy Harvey, proudly display it for daughters or sons who are in uniform.
"I hung it in the window first thing as a welcome to him and as a sign for the community to know that our home was a home of a returning soldier," said Kathy.
Private First Class, Ryan Harvey, of Escanaba, is a member of the 101st Airborne Air Assault Division. He’s on R and R from Afghanistan and was able to make it home for the holidays.
He said, "When you walk in, especially on Christmas Eve, and see a flag like that sitting in the window, it means a lot."
The service flag has a white field with a red border, and the blue star signifies hope and pride. It was first created in 1917 by an Ohio National Guardsman whose sons were serving in World War I.
Today, the meaning of the flag endures, and supporting those who fight for our country is top priority to Escanaba Elks Lodge 354’s president, Dave Wilson, who distributes the flags to families in the U.P.
"We have so many kids and husbands that are deployed in Delta County," Wilson said. "We have our whole National Guard unit over there right now, so that's very hard on their family. And they're so proud of their son."
Since the service flag project started in Escanaba two days ago, so far, 22 families have requested a flag. But one father has specifically asked for a flag to be made with a gold star to honor his fallen son.
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