Family holds children's hands for a while, and their hearts forever.
You may have noticed some houses have small flags or banners with a blue star hanging in a front window. It doesn't matter if you're in America or anywhere in the world, the flags or banners are all the same --and they hang quietly, solemnly in home windows.
Why? Well, when a family member joins the military, some military families choose to display a Blue Star Service banner or flag in a window of their home to signify a loved one or more than one is an Active Duty Service member in one of the six US Armed Forces.
There are also Blue Star pins to wear.
As a Blue Star family myself, I believe that the worst part of being a Blue Star Family is waiting for the Active Duty family member to come home; for family gives children roots to grow from and wings to fly with.
It might even be said one pulls oneself together as a Blue Star Family member. During that waiting, I find that connecting with others is very important, just as important as my connections with my Veterans organizations. These social connections such as joining non-profits like here Blue Star Families, lowers my anxiety and depression, help me regulate my emotions, leads to higher self-esteem and empathy, boosts my mood, and actually improve my immune systems and overall health. I am happier. When I'm at Blue Star Families meetings and events I feel valued, seen, heard, supported, and that the companionship and interactions with others are mutually rewarding.
The minute someone takes the oath to Serve in the US. military, both their life and their family's lives change forever. All the things they heard about and prepared for - the moves, deployments, the time apart - all become a reality and life is never the same again, not only for the Service members, it changes also for their family.
This special flag, displayed only by military families, is where the phrase "Blue Star Family" comes from and refers to the family members of an Active Duty Service member.
The Blue Star Family tradition is rich in history and dates back to World War I. Blue Star organizations help military families and raise awareness of Blue Star Families' sacrifices.
November is National Veterans & Military Family Month. Find out who are the Blue Star Families in your neighborhood and offer to help out 'em.
Family is spouse, parents, stepparents, foster parents, father-in-law, mother-in-law, children, stepchildren, foster children, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, great and grandparents, great and grandchildren, brothers, sisters, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and those who consider an Active Duty Service member a part of their family.
There are numerous non-profits that have "Blue Star Families" or "Blue Star" in their names, and they are located throughout America and the world. None are officially a part of the US government. Blue Star Mothers, another Blue Star non-profit, is chartered by the US Congress.
https://www.everycrsreport.com/reports/RL30340.html
https://www.facebook.com/BlueStarFamilies/
https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/800369895 read more