Remember the Troops

The Westport Fire Department says it is proud to display the Service Flag — an official banner authorized by the Department of Defense for display by families who have members serving in the Armed Forces during any period of war or hostilities. 

The fire department, as a family, has two of its members serving overseas. Lieutenant Thomas Richmond is currently heading to Iraq as an Army Medic and Firefighter Nicholas Marsan is enroute to Afghanistan in the Infantry.

The history of the Service Flag is as patriotic and touching as the symbolism each star represents to the families that display them. 

The flag was designed and patented by World War I Army Captain Robert L. Queissner of the 5th Ohio Infantry who had two sons serving on the front line.  The flag quickly became the unofficial symbol of a child in the service. 

During World War II, the practice of displaying the Service Flag became much more wide spread.  In 1942, the Blue Star Mothers of America was founded as a veteran service organization and was part of a movement to provide care packages to military members serving overseas.

The fire department would like to remind everyone it is a drop off point for care packages for soldiers in combat zones overseas called "Give 2 the Troops."  A list of requested items can be found on their web site: www.Give2TheTroops.org