Blue Star Family Memorial Garden

Blue Star Family Memorial Garden. . Designed and patented in 1917 by Army Captain Robert L. Queissner of the 5th Ohio Infantry, whose two sons were at the front, the Blue Star Banner was displayed in thousands of homes across the nation before World War I ended the next year. Today it may be displayed by families whose members are armed forces during any period of war or armed hostility for its duration. A single blue star represents each family member in active service. Should a service lose his or her life as a result of hostile action, the family covers the blue star representing that person with a gold one. This modest garden is here to call attention to the service of families whose parents, children, spouse answer the call to serve in the armed forces of the United States. Distanced, by design, from the components of the Memorial that deal with the planning for and execution of the D-Day assault, this parcel emphasizes the physical gulf that separates the homefront from the frontline as well as the familial bonds of love that bridge the two. While at this Memorial, and in the days ahead take time to remember Blue Star Families, past and present., "They also serve who only stand and wait.” , John Milton, from "On His Blindness," c. 1654. , In recognition of the family of Larry Lewis Taylor Jr., who answered the call to serve his Country by entering the United States Air Force in April 2009. Given by a grateful citizen of the United States of America.