The Blue Star Banner Program is all about remembering our local men and women who are currently serving in the military. Although many are familiar with the Blue Star program, many may not know that the history of the “Blue Star” symbol began around 400 BC when Alexander the Great made use of it as a sign of great heroism.

The Blue Star Program dates back to a tradition that began in World War I and carried on through World War II. The Blue Star Flag first appeared in 1917 and quickly became the unofficial symbol of a child in military service. A Blue Star Flag hung in the windows of homes gained widespread use during World War II, when nearly every U.S. home or organization displayed the banner to honor those who served. Each blue star on the flag indicates a family member in military service.

At its monthly board meeting on August 11, 2011, McHenry Township Board of Trustees voted to launch a township-wide Blue Star Banner Program in order to give its residents the opportunity to show their support to the family members of those serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. 

The qualified recipients (authorized family member) will be invited to attend a Township Board Meeting where they will be presented with the Blue Star Banner and a special Resolution in their honor.  

Authorized family members include the wife, husband, mother, father, stepmother or father, parent through adoption, foster parents who stand or stood loco parentis, children through adoption, brother, sister and half brother/sister of a member of the Armed Forces of the United States.

To be eligible to receive a Blue Star Flag, the serviceman or servicewoman does not have to be forward deployed. The qualified family member must currently reside in McHenry Township.

If you are a member of a military family residing in McHenry Township, please click on the link in red to apply for a Blue Star Banner.

Download this form Blue Star Banner Program Forms. 

E-mail the completed form to supervisor@mchenrytownship.com

or fax it to 815-385-5671.

You can also mail the completed form to:

McHenry Township has partnered with McHenry’s Beta Sigma Phi Zeta Theta who has joined in supporting this program.  We recognize the flags as a symbol of unity that our community has in supporting our brave men and women who altruistically leave their homes and families to serve their country and community with honor and distinction. Through this program we wish to thank them.

Any questions please call 815-385-5605.