ROCHELLE — The Service Flag has been displayed in Janet Stewart’s front window for about five years, serving as a unique remembrance of her family’s military service.

The flag itself is not prominent in size, but the stars and story behind it are meant to represent family members serving or who have served in the Armed Forces during any period of war or hostilities the U.S. is engaged in. 

Stewart’s father is a World War II Army veteran, and her father-in-law served in the Marine Corps. Her niece and now son and nephew are in the Air Force.

“The Service Flag connects people,” Stewart said. “I’ve had people come to the front door and ask about it because they see it there. They tell me they’ve never seen it.”

According to usflag.org’s website, the flag was designed and patented by World War I Army Captain Robert L. Queissner who had two sons serving on the front line. 

It became more widespread during World War II with homes and organizations displaying them with the blue stars to indicate members in the service.

The blue stars are covered with a gold star to represent family members who have died. 

The Department of Defense has established guidelines on who is authorized to display the flag along with how it is to be displayed. If a gold star is added, it should be slightly smaller and placed over the blue star to create a border surrounding the gold star.

“It’s a salute to our family members and to those serving,” Stewart said. “It’s important not to forget.”