Slater plans Blue Star Salute for Saturday

On Saturday, May 21, the Slater American Legion Post No. 78 will conduct a Blue Star Salute in recognition of Armed Forces Day. The American Legion wants to honor members of the U.S. armed forces, National Guard and Reserves along with their families.

Charlie Guthrie, a Slater resident and veteran of the U.S. Naval Reserves, has worked to organize the event, which will honor a new generation of American servicemen and women.

"I'm very proud of our young people who have answered the call to duty to serve our country with honor, dignity and pride," Guthrie said. "This program is one way of honoring a new generation of American servicemen and women."

A "Blue Star" banner displayed in the window of a home is an American tradition that has recently made a return after years of inactivity. The banner lets others know that someone in the home is serving in the U.S. armed forces during war time. The Blue Star banner was designed and patented by a World War I Army officer in 1917 and it quickly became the unofficial symbol of a person in the service.

"The American Legion has regenerated this program with the Iraq war going on," Guthrie said. "It used to exist during the Korean and Vietnam wars and is now making a return because of the outstanding efforts of today's men and women who are serving in every branch of the military."

Now as the long and difficult war on terrorism continues, the Blue Star banner tradition reminds us all that this new war touches every neighborhood in our land.

Guthrie, summed up his feelings on the event by saying that he hopes the Armed Forces personnel receive the accolades that they deserve all across the nation for risking their lives to protect this country. "I hope and pray that everyone will be able to return home to a grateful nation," Guthrie said. "They [military personnel] really deserve to be honored."

Service members wishing to attending need to contact Jim Brown in Marshall or Charlie Guthrie in Slater. Name, rank and operation will be needed.

The celebration begins at 2 p.m. at the Veterans Park on Main Street in Slater. An ice cream social will also be held at the Slater Senior Center and all are invited and encouraged to attend. Certificates of appreciation will be given out to the service members. If a service member can not be present, a family member can receive the certificate.

Contact Eric Coley at

marshallfaith@socket.net