In August of 2006, Orangevale Rotary announced the introduction of the Blue Star Service Banner Program. It is their desire to recognize the communities’ families who have members serving in the United States Armed Service with a Blue Star Banner. A Blue Star Service Banner displayed in the window of a home is an American tradition. The banner displayed in the front window of a home shows a family’s pride in their loved one serving in the military, and reminds others that preserving America’s freedom demands much. The Blue Star Service Banner tradition reminds us all that war touches every neighborhood in our land.

The Blue Star Service Banner was designed in 1917 by World War I Army Capt. Robert Queissner of the 5th Ohio Infantry who had two sons serving on the front line. It quickly became the unofficial symbol of a child in the service. During World War II, the Department of War officially recognized the blue star as a symbol for families with members in the service of our armed forces. The blue star represents one family member serving in the armed forces. A banner can have up to five stars, signifying that five members of that family are currently in military uniform on active duty. The Blue Star Banner was reintroduced to Americans through the Movie “Saving Private Ryan” . The powerful symbol of a 4 stars banner in the farm window of Mrs. Ryan highlights her family’s commitment in defending America.

To Sponsor or to nominate a deserving family for a Blue Star Banner in the Orangevale area, please send a note to

Orangevale Rotary
PO Box 343
Orangevale CA 95662

or contact us at bluestar@orangevalerotary.org.

For more information about the Blue Star Banner, its history and other organizations that support Blue Star, we would encourage you to visit www.bluestarmothers.org or the American Legion web page www.legion.org/support.

Orangevale Rotary club is grateful for the sacrifices families are making in serving our country. The Blue Star Banner is a small token of Orangevale Rotary's appreciation. It is our hope and desire that though their family member’s efforts there may be peace in the world.