Silver Star Service Banner Day 2023: The celebration of Silver Star Service Banner Day occurs on May 1. The day honours the sacrifices of U.S. military personnel and recipients of the Silver Star.
HISTORY OF SILVER STAR SERVICE BANNER DAY
The Citation Star was bestowed for “gallantry in action” in the early 1800s. The Citation Star was eventually superseded by the Silver Star Medal. The Silver Star is awarded to combatants who display exceptional valour. It is the third-highest award in the Armed Forces of the United States.
Silver Star Service Banner Day honours the sacrifices of the ailing, wounded, and dying members of the military. Additionally, the day honours Silver Star Medal recipients and their families. During World War I, the tradition of the service banner with blue stars covered in silver strands, which represented wounded service members, began. However, it fell out of use when the United States officially adopted gold and blue star service banners between the wars. The colour silver represents the valour of service members, while blue represents faith. These two hues reinforce the Silver Star Service Banner Day message.
Although the Silver Star Families of America (SSFOA) organisation established the day in 2004, it was not declared official until 2010. The House of Representatives also designated May 1 as Silver Star Service Banner Day. The primary objective of Silver Star Families of America (SSFOA) is to inspire gratitude and reverence for the sacrifices made by military veterans and members of the U.S. Armed Forces through the display of a Silver Star Service Banner and/or a Silver Star Flag. Numerous organisations and groups have devoted themselves to assisting ailing, disabled, and injured war veterans and recognising their sacrifices as well as those of their families.
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HOW TO OBSERVE SILVER STAR SERVICE BANNER DAY Express Appreciation
Many veteran organisations honour Silver Star recipients and their families with ceremonies. Volunteer and express your appreciation.
Participate in the SSFOA
Get involved with the Silver Star Families of America (SSFOA) and assist with local fundraising and awareness campaigns.
Respect the deceased and their families
Visit the graves of veterans of conflict with a flag or flowers. You can also demonstrate respect by taking the family member of a deceased war veteran out to lunch.
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5 FACTS ABOUT SILVER STAR SERVICE BANNER DAY THAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
1 in 10
One in ten U.S. military personnel sustains a critical injury during combat.
The meritorious
Between 100,000 and 150,000 Silver Star Medals have been issued by the U.S. government.
The expansion of Silver Star
In addition to the 50 states, Saipan, Guam, the Chickasaw Nation, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia have issued proclamations honouring the Silver Star families.
Davis Hackworth, Colonel
For his valour in Vietnam and Korea, Colonel Davis Hackworth received the highest number of Silver Star Medals ever bestowed to an individual: ten.
Colonel Cordelia Cook
Cordelia Cook was the first woman to be awarded the Silver Star for her service during World War II.
WHY SILVER STAR SERVICE BANNER DAY IS IMPORTANT
It honours military veterans
It is a day commemorating the service of ill, injured, and deceased combat veterans.
It honours the valiant service of veterans
Veterans of war sacrificed or endangered their lives for their country. This day commemorates their valour in battle.
It inspires the youth.
The day also inspires young people and makes them realise the significance of serving their country.
SILVER STAR SERVICE BANNER DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | May 1 | Monday |
| 2024 | May 1 | Wednesday |
| 2025 | May 1 | Thursday |
| 2026 | May 1 | Friday |
| 2027 | May 1 | Saturday |
