Spouses make flags to honor ultimate sacrifice

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Scott Elliott
  • Air Force Print News
Two Air Force spouses are helping revive an old tradition to honor the families of servicemembers killed in battle.

Julie Gindhart and Claudia Schmucker, both wives of Air Force majors, have joined with other members of the Military and Civilian Spouses Club here to make "gold star service flags." The gold star flag is a variation on the blue star service flag that made its first appearance nearly a century ago.

"(The blue star service flag is) a tradition that started in World War I," Gindhart said. "A man whose sons were serving designed the flag, and it caught on."

A 12-inch by 15-inch white flag, bordered in red, contains a blue star for each family member serving in the military. The flag hangs from a gold-painted dowel and is adorned with gold tassels.

The service flags were changed somewhat in World War II, when a group known as the "American Gold Star Mothers" banded together after the loss of husbands and sons, Gindhart said. The group altered their service flags by embroidering a smaller gold star atop the blue star to signify that a family member had been killed in action.

"The tradition got lost after World War II," she said. "We're trying to bring it back."

Aberdeen's MCSC members have made about 50 flags so far, and will continue until they have enough to present a flag to the families of each American killed in action during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Besides the gold star superimposed over the blue star, the servicemember's name will be embroidered at the bottom and the branch of service above the stars.

The first was presented at a funeral service April 15.

As casualties are identified, the MCSC works with military officials to ensure they have all the pertinent information, including correct name spellings and possible posthumous promotions, said Elaine Valentin, an Army spouse who heads up the flag-making program.

A finished flag is given to the fallen servicemember's commander or chaplain, who then presents it to the family.

"That way, it comes from the nation as a whole, not just from our group," Valentin said.

For those making the flags, it is a labor of love.

"There's a lot of emotion, working on these flags," Gindhart said. "I felt like I was serving my country. It was a way to say 'thank you' to those servicemembers for giving the ultimate sacrifice for defending the freedoms I enjoy today."

Making the flags is also a way to reach out to grieving families, she said.

"It's a way to show them that we're a military family. We support each other, and we're here," she said. "I don't think anyone wants to be on the receiving end of one of these flags, but it's a small gesture of thanks."

Thus far, the MCSC has contributed $500 toward the purchase of materials and distribution costs, but they will accept donations to help defray expenses.

"I get comfort and satisfaction from knowing I can somehow recognize these Americans who have died," Schmucker said. "I feel that we're letting the families know we recognize the value of their servicemember."

Donations may be sent to: Operation Gold Star Flag, P.O. Box 623, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21005.