Silver Star Banner Day 2024 (US): History, FAQs, and Facts

“Gallantry in action” received the Citation Star in the early 19th century. The Citation Star was subsequently refined into the Silver Star Medal. The Silver Star is bestowed upon combatants who demonstrate exceptional courage. It ranks as the third-highest decoration within the Armed Forces of the United States.

Military personnel who have fallen ill, been wounded, or are nearing death are honored on Silver Star Service Banner Day. Additionally, we honor the recipients of the Silver Star Medal and their families on this day. The customary practice of adorning the service banner with blue stars encircled by silver threads to symbolize the fallen service members originated during World War I. Nevertheless, its functionality ceased with the official adoption of gold and blue-star service symbols by the United States during the interwar period. Silver stands for the bravery that military personnel displayed, while blue stands for optimism. The message of Silver Star Service Banner Day is reinforced by utilizing these two hues.

The Silver Star Families of America (SSFOA) organization was established in 2004, but it did not become formally recognized until 2010. Additionally, the House of Representatives of the United States designated May 1 as Silver Star Service Banner Day. Silver Star Families of America (SSFOA) seeks to honor and demonstrate appreciation for the valor of U.S. Armed Forces and military veterans through the display of a Silver Star Service Banner and/or a Silver Star Flag in a window. Numerous organizations have undertaken concerted endeavors to aid wounded, ill, and disabled veterans of the conflict while also acknowledging the tremendous sacrifices they and their families have made.

Girl Scout Leader Appreciation Day 2024 (US): Learn about its History, Activities, and Importance

What occurs on Banner Day for the Silver Star?

We observe Silver Star Service Banner Day to pay tribute to the combat-wounded personnel of the armed forces. Organizations organize events to honor and recognize their services. Various individuals pay homage to the interments of the departed.

What purpose does the Silver Star serve?

The Silver Star Medal is awarded on the battlefield to recognize exemplary bravery and distinguished acts of valor.

Who was the initial recipient of a Silver Star?

The inaugural recipient of the Silver Star Medal honored General Douglas MacArthur in 1932. In addition, he received the Medal of Honor seven more times during World War II.

Five Silver Star Banner Day Facts

Due to combat, one in ten members of the United States military sustains grievous injuries.
There have been between 100,000 and 150,000 Silver Star Medals bestowed by the United States government.
Lieutenant Colonel Cordelia Cook was the inaugural female recipient of the Silver Star in recognition of her valor during World War II.
The District of Columbia, Saipan, Guam, the Chickasaw Nation, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, in addition to the fifty states of the United States, have issued proclamations acknowledging the Silver Star families.
Colonel Davis Hackworth earned ten Silver Star Medals for his service in Vietnam and Korea, making him the most valiant individual to receive such recognition.