Silver Star Service Banner Day

May 1^st is Silver Star Service Banner Day. If you’re unfamiliar with it, this is the day set aside to honor veterans awarded the Silver Star, the third-highest decoration for valor in combat. It is often presented to recipients for a short-term period of intense combat or for a single combat action. This day also honors veterans who were wounded or are otherwise still affected by their time in combat.

The origin of this day dates back to 1818 with the Citation Star Award. It was in this same year that the display of Blue, Gold, and Silver Star banners began. In 1932, the award was changed to the Silver Star by authorization from the Secretary of War. The original Citation device is centered on the medal.

The first authorized award of the Silver Star was to Shipfitter Second Class Clarence J. Ashenbrenner in 1942 for gallantry during the Battle of the Java Sea. Over 100,000 Silver Stars have been awarded since then.

On Friday, May 1^st, those who meet the criteria can fly the Silver Star Banner outside their homes or wear the lapel button according to United States Code, Title 36, Section 901 Sec. 901, “Service Flag and Service Lapel Button”:

A service flag approved by the Secretary of Defense may be displayed in a window of the place of residence of individuals who are members of the immediate family of an individual serving in the Armed Forces of the United States during any period of war or hostilities in which the Armed Forces of the United States are engaged.

For those interested in wearing the “service lapel button” with the Silver Star service banner, this is authorized for “members of the immediate family of an individual serving in the Armed Forces of the United States during any period of war or hostilities in which the Armed Forces of the United States are engaged.

If you are a veteran or a family member who fits this category, please consider wearing the button or flying the banner. You may already have your decorations and plans for Memorial Day in place, but this is another opportunity to show your support for those who came before us, many of whom are still with us.

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