The tradition of the service flag dates back to World War I. Mothers of young
soldiers hand stitched red, white, and blue flags to hang in their windows as
a sign that a loved one had gone to fight in the war.

The flag design was simple, a white flag with a red border and a single blue
star for each family member in Service. If a family member unfortunately lost
their life in the line of duty, the mother would stitch a gold star over the
Blue star to honor her fallen loved one. This tradition was later extended to
the wives and families of service men serving during the war.