There’s a Little Blue Star in the Window (And It Means All the World to Me), 1918
F. (Frank) Henri Klickman (Composer); Paul B. Armstrong (lyricist); Frank K. Root & Co., Chicago, IL (Publisher)
Song Sheet, lithograph on paper
On loan from the National WWI Museum and Memorial
Army Captain Robert L. Queisser designed the Service Flag, commonly referred to as the Little Blue Star. Placed facing outwards in a home window, the flag showed the local community just what that family was sacrificing. It was the symbol for families with loved ones overseas. The number of stars on the flag denoted the number of family members currently serving in the war. If the ultimate sacrifice was made, and that loved one died in the call of duty, the blue star was replaced with a gold star. Today, the Service Flag is still used, and display of the emblem is authorized by the Department of Defense.