The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

Bridge City and Orangefield American Legion Post 250 members are asking the local community for help in reviving an old tradition for local families of active duty service members to show their pride in their loved ones and their patriotism for the country.

The Post will hold its first fund raising link sale since Hurricane Ike from approximately 11 a.m. until meals are sold out Saturday, July 18, at 2215 Texas Ave., Bridge City, across the street from the Bridge City Police Station and Reliable Dry Cleaners. The Blue Star Banner Program has been on hold since the devastating storm, but Post members are hoping to raise enough funds to revive the program for families to display Blue Star Banners for service men and women.

Post members are compiling a list of Bridge City and Orangefield families who may have their active duty loved ones included. Applications will be available at Saturday’s fundraiser.

The Blue Star Banner program honors local families with loved ones serving in the military.

World War I Army Capt. Robert L. Queissner, of the 5th Ohio Infantry, designed the Blue Star Banner in 1917. The Banner quickly became the unofficial symbol of a child in service. Each Blue Star on a Banner represents one family member serving. The Banner can have up to five stars, representing five family members serving.

Families display the banners in the front windows of their homes to show their pride in their loved ones. The Banner is also designed to remind others of the high demands placed on service members to preserve America’s freedom.

Post 250 had sponsored the program in the past, but the problems after Hurricane Ike have placed the program on hold. As the members of Post 250 reorganize, Reilly said he is looking forward to reviving the program that Post 250 has been known for in the community.

“It brings each of us a special feeling as we see the appreciation of these parents on their faces,” Reilly said. “Our Post may be small and recovering from the storm as well, but we must never forget the price others are paying overseas for our freedom.”

Reilly said the Post is planning a special ceremony for the Blue Star Banner Program and he hopes to announce this year when local families will be publicly honored. More fundraisers are being planned with hopes to hold the event on or close to Veterans Day, Nov. 11.

The Post recently sponsored three boys to Boys State, Austin, and is currently reviving the Blue Star Banner Program.