[Congressional Bills 108th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Con. Res. 109 Enrolled Bill (ENR)]
H.Con.Res.109
Agreed to April 11, 2003
One Hundred Eighth Congress
of the
United States of America
AT THE FIRST SESSION
Begun and held at the City of Washington on Tuesday,
the seventh day of January, two thousand and three
Concurrent Resolution
Whereas the Blue Star Flag (commonly referred to as the ``Blue Star
Banner'') was patented and designed in 1917, during the height of
World War I, by Army Captain Robert L. Queissner of the 5th Ohio
Infantry, who had two sons serving on the front lines;
Whereas the Blue Star Flag quickly became the symbol for a family
member serving the Nation in the Armed Forces, and families began
proudly displaying these flags in their front windows during World
War I;
Whereas each Blue Star on the flag represents a family member serving
in the Armed Forces and symbolizes hope and pride;
Whereas beginning in 1918, the Blue Star would signify the living, and
a smaller Gold Star would be placed on top of the Blue Star, forming
a blue border, if the family member was killed or died while on
active duty, to symbolize the family member's sacrifice for the cause
of freedom;
Whereas Blue Star Flags were displayed widely during World War II;
Whereas many of the flags displayed during those wars were hand-made by
the mothers of those serving in the Armed Forces;
Whereas the legacy of the Blue Star Flag continued during the Korean,
Vietnam, and Persian Gulf Wars and other periods of conflict, as well
as in times of peace;
Whereas the Blue Star Flag is the official flag authorized by law, at
section 901 of title 36, United States Code, to be displayed in honor
of a family member serving the United States on active duty in the
Armed Forces during a period of war or hostilities, while the Gold
Star may be displayed in honor of a family member who has made the
ultimate sacrifice for the Nation;
Whereas for over 85 years, families have proudly displayed the Blue
Star Flag showing United States service personnel the honor and pride
that is taken in their sacrifices for freedom;
Whereas the flag may be displayed by members of the immediate family of
a loved one serving in the Armed Forces;
Whereas the flag may be flown by families with a service member
stationed either domestically or overseas;
Whereas the display of the flag in the front window of a home shows a
family's pride in their loved one and is a reminder that preserving
America's freedom demands great sacrifice; and
Whereas such a reminder is especially timely during the current
conflict with Iraq and the global war on terrorism: Now, therefore,
be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring),
That the Congress--
(1) honors members of the United States Armed Forces and their
families;
(2) calls on all Americans to honor the members of the United
States Armed Forces and their families, to recognize the importance
of the Blue Star Flag and the Gold Star and their symbolism of the
devotion and service of the members of the United States Armed
Forces, and to advance awareness of the Blue Star Flag and the Gold
Star through all appropriate information and media channels; and
(3) encourages the families of members of the Armed Forces to
proudly display the Blue Star Flag or, if their loved one has made
the ultimate sacrifice, the Gold Star.
Sec. 2. The authority on which this resolution rests is the
authority of Congress to make all laws which shall be necessary and
proper as provided in Article I, section 8 of the United States
Constitution.
Attest:
Clerk of the House of Representatives.
Attest:
Secretary of the Senate.