SILVER STAR SERVICE BANNER DAY

SILVER STAR SERVICE BANNER DAY

We celebrate Silver Star Service Banner Day on May 1 in recognition for the sacrifices of American service members have made for our country. This day is for Americans to remember service members who have been wounded in combat, are sick, and those who are dying.

#SILVERSTARSERVICEBANNEDAY

Across all branches of The U.S. military, the Silver Star Medal is one of the highest honors a soldier can receive. We are using today's National Day to remind everyone the importance of honoring our military heroes and their families across the country.

The Silver Star Flag and Banner signifies the symbol of honor for those who have been wounded or incur illness during combat. Many times, the banner or flag is hung in a window of immediate family of an individual service in the military during wartime. Hanging this distinguished flag is a way for families to share they have a loved one currently serving in the military.

What is the Silver Star Medal?

According to the U.S. Department of Defense, the Silver Star Medal is the third highest medal a member of the Armed Forces can receive for gallant action during combat. The U.S. Army normally awards the distinguished medal as the "Silver Star," while the Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Coast Guard award the medal as the "Silver Star Medal." All branches of military give the award as a result of action against an enemy of the U.S. during conflict over a short period of time, normally one or two days.

Actions that merit the Silver Star must be of such a high degree that they are above those required for all other U.S. combat decorations but do not merit award of the meet Medal of Honor or a Service Cross (Distinguished Service Cross, the Navy Cross, or the Air Force Cross).

U.S. Department of Defense

What Does the Silver Star Medal Look Like?

1. The metal is a gold star with five points and 1-1/2 inch in diameter.

2. The medal contains a laurel wreath encircling rays of sunshine around the center.

3. A second smaller silver star is found within the laurel wreath in the center of the medal.

4. The back of the medal is unscripted with "For Gallantry in Action."

5. Attached to medal is a white and blue ribbon measuring 5.6 mm wide.

President Woodrow Wilson established the Silver Star Medal as the "Citation Star" during WWI. At the time, the medal was given only to U.S. Army service members who distinguished themselves during military operations.

HONORING #SILVERSTARSERVICEBANNEDAY

1. Attend a local veteran organization or military base event honoring Silver Star personnel and families.

2. Display your Silver Star Service Banner outside your home or business.

3. Volunteer to help at a local event honoring Silver Star recipients.

4. Show gratitude and thank all service members for their contributions to protect our nation.

5. Help with fundraising events held by Silver Star Families of America.

6. Share photos, stories, and support by using #SilverStarService on social media.

BRIEF HISTORY

The Blue and Gold Service Banners made their debuts in 1918 during World War I. Over time, the U.S. formally adopted and officially made the Blue and Gold Star Service Banners. However, the country overlooked Silver Star Service Banner. Once identified, representatives quickly designed and accepted The Silver Star Service Flag and Banner. The U.S. House of Representatives passed H Res. 855, a stand-alone resolution, on April 21, 2010, designating May 1 as Silver Star Service Banner Day.

Since 1818, the military awarded the Citation Star for "Gallantry in Action." The Silver Star Medal replaced the Citation Star and first officially awarded it in 1942. Military personnel receive the Silver Star Medal for specific actions in combat. The military has awarded between 100,000 and 150,000 Silver Star Medals.