WWI Blue Star Active DutyFlag

A touching memorial from WWI.  This is an Active Duty Service Banner. The Active Duty Service Banner was designed and patented in 1917 by World War I Army Capt. Robert L. Queisser of the 5th Ohio Infantry. He created the banner for his two sons serving in the front lines of WWI.  This banner was to become the symbol for parents with a child in active military service.   Eventually, the presentation of the banner to the parents of the fighting soldier became a service of the government. Standard flags were designed with the same motif, and all were to be in direct proportion to the US flag. The government issued flag was 8 1/2" X 14".  Our banner outsizes the government's considerably.  59" X 35"

Our flag was made at home during WWI. I like to think of a devoted mother making it for her son, off fighting in the trenches across the Western front.  Close inspection of this banner shows the outline of an unpicked patch pocket on the natural color homespun. This is one of the reasons we consider this banner to be extra special ~ it was made from materials at hand, fabrics made at home and used to make clothing for members of the family.  Imagine how the mother's heart beat while stitching the blue star in the pale field, thinking of her son at Ypres or struggling through the battlefields of the Somme and the Marne.
This Active Duty Service Banner is larger than the official one, measuring 59" X 35".  It is in strong, sturdy condition, but it does have several dark brown age spots.  The colors are unfaded and there are no holes or tears.  There's a rod pocket for hanging .  Reference: American Legion at www.legion.org; National WWI Museum and Memorial at www.theworldwar.org.