The Gold Star program didn’t start on its own—it evolved from the Blue Star Service Banner, which was first created in 1917 by World War I Army Captain Robert L. Queisser of the Ohio 5th Infantry. Queisser, who had two sons serving on the front lines, wanted to honor their service, along with that of other soldiers fighting overseas.

He designed a banner with a white background, a red border, and a blue star in the center to represent his sons. This banner quickly gained popularity, and soon, military families across Ohio and beyond were displaying similar banners in their homes, schools, churches, and businesses. The blue star on the banner became a symbol of a family member serving in the military.

The banner’s significance was formally recognized when Ohio added the Blue Star Service Banner to the state’s Congressional Record in 1917. The symbol stood for the sacrifice and commitment of soldiers and their families, showing support for those who served.

As time went on, however, there was a growing need for a new symbol to honor the families of fallen soldiers.