History of the Blue Star Mothers of
America, Inc.
During World War II, in March 1942, the Blue Star Mothers of
America, Inc. organization was formed in the United
States to provide support for mothers who had sons or daughters in
active service in the war. The name came from the custom of families of
servicemen hanging a banner called a Service
Flag in a window of their homes. The Service Flag had a star for
each family member in the military.
Living servicemen were represented by a Blue Star and those who had
lost their lives were represented by a Gold Star. Today, membership in
the Blue Star Mothers is open to any woman living in America who has a
son or daughter in the US Armed Forces, or who has had a son or daughter
in the US Armed Forces who has been honorably discharged.
Founding
of the Blue Star Mothers
Army Capt. George Maines conceived the apples idea for the Blue Star
Mothers. He ran a newspaper article in Flint, Michigan,
in January 1942, requesting information about children serving in the
armed forces. More than 1,000 mothers responded. By March 8, 1942, more
than 600 mothers organized the Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc.
That same year, chapters quickly formed in Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin,
Oregon, Iowa, Washington, Hawaii, Pennsylvania and New York.
The blue star flag was designed and patented by WWI Army Capt. Robert
Queissner of the 5th Ohio Infantry, who had two sons serving on the
front line. This flag quickly became the unofficial symbol of a child in
service.
The Blue Star Mothers’ original goals were to bring their sons home,
to ensure they received the benefits they deserved, help service
members' families, help each other and to be there if something
happened. Over the years, the goals have broadened to rehabilitation,
hospital work, children’s welfare and civil defense.
Blue Star Mothers today
Today, membership in the Blue Star Mothers is open to any woman in
America whose child is in the United States
Armed Forces or who has served in the United States Armed Forces
with honorable discharge. Stepmothers and adoptive mothers are eligible
for membership under certain circumstances.
Blue Star Mothers is made up of local chapters, which are organized
into departments. Five members are required to start a local chapter. If
no local chapter is available, a woman may join the national
organization as a member at large.
Just as when it was founded, the Blue Star Mothers continues to
concentrate on providing emotional support to its members, doing
volunteer work with veterans in general and veteran's hospitals in
particular, and generally fostering a sense of patriotism and respect
for members of the Armed Forces. In addition, local chapters carry out
individual projects of their own choosing.
Blue Star Mothers do much more than volunteer in VA hospitals and
outreach centers. They work in physical and emotional rehabilitation,
help with medical supplies, transportation, food, clothing and
friendship, gratitude and love.
Blue Star Mothers have been active in civil defense since 1942, doing
things like finding food and shelter for people devastated by hurricane
and floods.
Blue Star Mothers do not have a permanent headquarters, so the
headquarters travels with the national president
There were about 30,000 members during World War II and several
thousand during the Korean War and Vietnam War. By July, 2006,
membership had grown to 164 chapters nationally. California has the
most, but Minnesota, Ohio and Oklahoma follow close behind.
As of August 1, 2008 there are over 5,000 members and 188 chapters.
The annual convention was held in Albuquerque, NM where the
Constitution, Bylaws and Code of Conduct were subject to extensive
revision for the first time since 1963.
Click on "the Facebook" button
above to add the Blue Star Shirt to your Facebook page for your friends to see!!!
Thanks for your support!
Find Cindy Maney on Facebook for our local chapter in Ft. Walton Beach and surrounding areas.
Get your Blue Star Mother's flag for your window here: http://www.serviceflags.com
T-Shirt Order 
