blue bird

The City of Crystal Lake and the Crystal Lake Chamber of Commerce implemented the Blue Star Banner Program to honor the local men and women in our community as well a City of Crystal Lake government employees actively serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, by proudly displaying Blue (and Gold?) Star banners throughout the Virginia Street Corridor in Crystal Lake.

Today, there are over

1.3 Million

active men and women in our armed forces.

More than ____ come from
the state of Illinois.

History

The “Blue Star” symbol began around 400 BC when Alexander the Great made use of it as a sign of great heroism. The Purpose Heart also contained the blue star, but years later it was changed to its present design.

The Blue Star Flag was created in 1917, hanging in homes to denote family members serving our Armed Forces; each star represents a family member proudly serving our country. Although the program was widely used during both the wars, the program did not receive the same enthusiasm during the Korean or Vietnam wars.

The American Legion rekindled that spirit of pride in our military men and women following the September 11th terrorists’ attacks. On (date/year), Mayor (Aaron?) and the Crystal Lake Chamber of Com merce adopted this program to recognize the men and women – our real heroes - on active deployment who continue to sacriﬁce so much for our freedom

The 6-foot tall Blue Star banners are created for each Crystal Lake military member proudly serving our Country and are displayed for a three-six-month periods along the Virginia Street Corridor which is located on Highway 14 from Virginia Street north to Highway 176. Banners are then presented to the nominated military member upon removal.

Leadership

Donna McAnally Military Mom (Army & Navy) Chairperson

Danny Malone U.S. Army, Retired, VFW
Customer Service Ofﬁcer Board of Directors

Joe Gillespie VFW

George Soderberg U.S. Navy, Team RWB Board of Directors

Robert Teiken U.S. Air Force, Team RWB

Jim Dyson U.S. Navy, American Legion

Tom Aellig American Legion

Mary Margaret Maule Navy Mom

Jerry S. Shaffer U.S. Navy, Retired Board of Directors

Jim Kelley District 47 Administrator, Retired

Eleanor Kuczera Air Force Mom Board of Directors,
Secretary/Treasurer

Charlie Morgan Coast Guard, American
Legion Post Commander Board of Directors

Dan Dreher VP American
Community Bank

Maggie VanVossen BSB Committee,
PublicRelations

FAQ’s

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