Politics & Government

What are the Blue Star Flags?

Small flags with a single blue star in the center are displayed in the windows of some Milford homes. What are they?

An entire generation grew up in the 70s and 80s without war.

But to an older generation of Americans, the single Blue Star on a field of white, surrounded by a red border, is a powerful symbol.

Begun during World War I, the flags symbolize that someone in the household is serving overseas. They were made popular during World War II.

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According to the town of Milford's veteran services page, the small flags all but disappeared during the Korean and Vietnam wars, and started reappearing briefly during the Persian Gulf War of 1991.

They are now more widely distributed.

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The website explains: "Also known as a Service Flag, the blue stands for hope and pride. When family members were killed, the blue star was replaced with a gold one representing sacrifice. A silver star stood for someone invalided home for wounds sustained overseas."

The Milford Veterans' Services office will send the Blue Star Flags to Milford residents on request, if they have a family member overseas, said Veterans Services Agent John Pilla.

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