Spotlight: Blue Star Mothers

Blue Star Mothers provides support for active duty personnel, promotes patriotism, assists veteran organizations, and is available to assist in homeland volunteer efforts to help our country remain strong.

Blue Star Mothers began in 1942 after 1,000 mothers of servicemen responded by mail to an ad in Michigan’s Flint News Advertiser. Mothers across the country volunteered during World War II, working in hospitals and train stations, packing care packages for soldiers, and contributing as part of homeland security. In 1960, Blue Star Mothers of America was chartered by the United States Congress as a Veterans Service Organization.

Blue Star Mothers ships “freedom boxes” each month to men and women deployed throughout the world. These boxes contain a variety of items, including food, snacks, and toiletries as well as letters of encouragement from members of the local community.
Oklahoma is the home of 17 active chapters of Blue Star Mothers:

Tulsa, Wagoner, Sand Springs, Broken Arrow, South Oklahoma City, Coweta, Edmond, Sapulpa, Enid, Muskogee (2), Duncan, Owasso, Pryor, Bartlesville, Claremore and Tahlequah each have a chapter.

About the Blue Star

Blue Star Mothers derived its name from the official banner authorized by the Department of Defense for display by families who have members serving in the Armed Forces during any period of war or hostilities. Banners of white with a red border containing a blue star for each active duty member are proudly hung the front window of homes. A gold star indicates a service member who was killed in action or died in service.

The flag was designed and patented by WWI Army Captain Robert L. Queisser of the 5th Ohio Infantry who had two sons serving on the front line. It quickly became the symbol of a child in service.

For more information about Blue Star Mothers and how you can help, visit www.bluestarmothers.org to find your local chapter.