GyBill
04-20-2005, 23:05
American Legion Plans Blue Star Salute for Armed Forces Day
By Heather Gloeckner
Army News Service
April 20, 2005
ARLINGTON, Va. - American Legion Posts across the country will take time to honor military members in their communities during the American Legion's Blue Star Salute on Armed Forces Day May 21, 2005.
The American Legion Blue Star Salute program provides communities the opportunity to recognize and present awards of appreciation to local military members and their families. Blue Star Salute recognizes hometown businesses that have excelled in supporting troops, and the program also promotes Blue Star Banners and educates the public about their significance.
"As wartime veterans ourselves, we know how important it is to stand squarely behind our troops and provide whatever support we can, not only to Soldiers, but their families left behind as well," said Joseph H. March, the director of public relations at the American Legion national headquarters.
"We understand how important it is for a Soldier to know that the folks back home are behind you 110 percent, no matter what. The Blue Star Salute is designed to let members of the armed forces, their families, and businesses who go above and beyond in supporting their citizen-soldiers, receive public recognition and "thanks' for their service to America," said March.
The Blue Star Banners that are distributed by the American Legion were first used during World War I, and then extensively during World War II, said March. The banner was hung in the windows of homes across America to signify that a loved one was serving in the armed forces during the war.
"The banner was, and is, an effective way to show support of a loved one and for all members of the community to recognize the sacrifice that family is making for our country," said March.
Soldiers interested in the program should check with their local American Legion post, officials said, and if that post is not conducting a salute, contact the state American Legion headquarters for information on the next closest event.
"It is our hope that entire communities will come together to honor these outstanding American patriots and recognize that their sacrifices, their courage and their commitment to our way of life is the lifeblood of our Republic," said March.
"They are America's finest. And every one of their 2.7 million Legionnaire comrades is very proud of each and every one of them. They too now carry the honored title of "American veteran'," said March.
By Heather Gloeckner
Army News Service
April 20, 2005
ARLINGTON, Va. - American Legion Posts across the country will take time to honor military members in their communities during the American Legion's Blue Star Salute on Armed Forces Day May 21, 2005.
The American Legion Blue Star Salute program provides communities the opportunity to recognize and present awards of appreciation to local military members and their families. Blue Star Salute recognizes hometown businesses that have excelled in supporting troops, and the program also promotes Blue Star Banners and educates the public about their significance.
"As wartime veterans ourselves, we know how important it is to stand squarely behind our troops and provide whatever support we can, not only to Soldiers, but their families left behind as well," said Joseph H. March, the director of public relations at the American Legion national headquarters.
"We understand how important it is for a Soldier to know that the folks back home are behind you 110 percent, no matter what. The Blue Star Salute is designed to let members of the armed forces, their families, and businesses who go above and beyond in supporting their citizen-soldiers, receive public recognition and "thanks' for their service to America," said March.
The Blue Star Banners that are distributed by the American Legion were first used during World War I, and then extensively during World War II, said March. The banner was hung in the windows of homes across America to signify that a loved one was serving in the armed forces during the war.
"The banner was, and is, an effective way to show support of a loved one and for all members of the community to recognize the sacrifice that family is making for our country," said March.
Soldiers interested in the program should check with their local American Legion post, officials said, and if that post is not conducting a salute, contact the state American Legion headquarters for information on the next closest event.
"It is our hope that entire communities will come together to honor these outstanding American patriots and recognize that their sacrifices, their courage and their commitment to our way of life is the lifeblood of our Republic," said March.
"They are America's finest. And every one of their 2.7 million Legionnaire comrades is very proud of each and every one of them. They too now carry the honored title of "American veteran'," said March.