Ridgefield’s American Legion Post 44 held a Blue Star flag ceremony on July 5 to honor families who have relatives actively serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.
The families were presented with a flag or banner they can display in their homes or elsewhere.
“It represents that they have someone serving ... whether it be reserves, active duty, or guard,” Steve Campbell, a Legion member, said.
The ceremony honored the families of Army Private Carter Rhyasen, Army National Guard Infantryman Ulysses Munoz, Army Staff Sergeant Jesse Lefebvre, and Jacinda Rose, who is in basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas.
“You have Armed Forces Day, you have Memorial Day for people who died in the wars and everybody serving on active duty, you have Veteran’s Day, which recognizes all veterans who’ve served, (who are) living,” Campbell said. “This one in particular is for the families, because the families support their loved ones who serve on active duty, and it takes a lot for them also.”
The Blue Star flag was designed in 1917 by World War I Army Captain Robert L. Queisser, who had two sons that served on the front lines, stated a news release.
The banner then became the unofficial symbol for parents with a child in active military service.
“(Queisser) wanted people to know about his sons, so he designed this flag,” Campbell said. “After a while, Congress approved of it, the design and all that, and it’s been going on ever since.”
Campbell said the Blue Star flag ceremonies were inactive for a short time during the Vietnam War, but once the war ended, the celebrations resumed.
The families who are selected for the honor do not have to fulfill any special requirements in order to be recognized. They just need to have a family member who is currently in the Armed Forces.
Campbell, who found the families through social media, said they were appreciative of the banner or flag that was presented to them.
“They were 100% supportive of their family member,” he said. “You could tell they were proud to talk about their family member.”
In attendance for Rhyasen were his parents James and Jenell, his brother Sawyer, and grandparents Renee and Allen Rhyasen, and Violet and Tom Foushee. As for Lefebvre, his parents Bob and Suzi, and his uncle and aunt, Tim and Joy Rodda, attended. Rose’s father John attended the ceremony on her behalf.
Munoz’s parents Marcela Venega and Fermin Munoz, sister Elizabeth and brother Samuel accepted the banner on his behalf.
Campbell mentioned that Munoz’s family is from Mexico. He is the first person in his family to join the Armed Forces.
A news release stated the ceremony was “heartfelt and memorable.”
“And for the members of the post, the ceremony was a reminder of commitment, sacrifices and support that the families have when a family member (or any other person) has served or is serving in the Armed Forces,” the release stated.
Campbell hopes to run the event on a monthly basis.
Families who are interested in being recognized can reach out to Post 44 and inquire about the ceremony by contacting Campbell at scampbell28791@att.net.
