Throughout World War II, service banners began appearing. These banners included one blue star for each child serving in war zones. Gold thread would be stitched over the star representing a lost life. If injuries or illness occurred while the child was deployed, silver thread would cover the blue star.
Over the years, silver service banners were not as common and eventually went unused. The Silver Star Families of America worked to "bring back formal recognition of any soldier who was wounded, injured, or contracted a serious illness while serving in a war zone."
In 2010, Congress passed a resolution naming May 1 as Silver Star Service Banner Day in recognition of those who have been awarded Silver Star Service Banners.
*Stock image used for illustrative purposes only