MILITARY TRADITION REVIVED FOR FAMILIES.Byline: Greg Botonis Staff Writer PALMDALE - Assemblywoman Sharon Runner Sharon Runner (born May 17 1954, Los Angeles) is a Californian politician. She has been a member of the California State Assembly since 2002. Runner, a Republican from Antelope Valley represents the 36th district. and retired Navy Capt. Tom Craft brought the tradition of the Blue Star program back to the Antelope Valley This article is about the Los Angeles County region. For the census-designated place in Wyoming, see Antelope Valley-Crestview, Wyoming. The Antelope Valley , presenting representatives of Palmdale and Lancaster with stacks of the banners during a ceremony Saturday announcing the program. The Blue Stars will be handed out at both City Halls for family members of military personnel, in an effort to show support of the nation's troops. ``This is a difficult time for our nation's military and their families,'' Runner said. ``I think it is important for them to know that we stand behind them and are supportive.'' The Blue Star Service Banner was designed in 1917 by World War I Army Capt. Robert L. Queissner of the 5th Ohio Infantry, who had two sons serving on the front lines. It soon became the unofficial symbol for the family of a child in military service. During World War II, the Department of War issued specifications on the manufacture of the banner as well as guidelines indicating when and by whom the service flag could be flown. The banner was initially only to be displayed by parents with a child in the service but has changed to include any family member. It is placed in the front window of a home to show a family's pride in a loved one for serving in the military. A gold star replaced the blue when a family member was killed or died in service. To kick off the program, Runner handed banners to local family members who have loved ones loved ones npl → seres mpl queridos loved ones npl → proches mpl et amis chers loved ones love npl in the service. ``I think it's a great thing.'' said Jay Harrington Jay Harrington (born November 15, 1971) is an American actor. Personal life Born and raised in Massachusetts, Harrington studied theater at Syracuse University before he began acting professionally on stage and screen. , whose son, Rod, is serving in the 1st Marine Amphibious Assault Noun 1. amphibious assault - an amphibious operation attacking a land base that is carried out by troops that are landed by naval ships amphibious operation - a military operation by both land and sea forces Division in Kuwait. ``All you hear about is the protesters, but whether or not you like the war, you have to support our troops "Support our troops" is a slogan commonly used in the United States and in Canada in reference to the United States Military and the Canadian Forces (Army, Air & Navy). The slogan has been used in the recent conflicts, including the Gulf War[1] and Iraq war. . I understand their displeasure for the war, but their protesting gets back to the troops as negative. This is a very positive thing, and it shows our support.'' Rod Harrington Rod Harrington (born 30 December 1958) in Boreham, Essex, is a former with the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC). He used the nickname The Prince of Style for his matches, often wearing a suit and waistcoast for his games. is a graduate of Antelope Valley High School Antelope Valley High School is located in Lancaster, California and is part of the Antelope Valley Union High School District. It was founded in 1912[1]. It is located in the Mojave Desert. , father of three and a Gulf War veteran. The stars will be handed out at both Lancaster and Palmdale city halls and by the Red Cross. Several church organizations are also planning to begin handing out the banners. ``Many of the traditions of our past have fallen by the wayside, but this is one that is important to revitalize re·vi·tal·ize tr.v. re·vi·tal·ized, re·vi·tal·iz·ing, re·vi·tal·iz·es To impart new life or vigor to: plans to revitalize inner-city neighborhoods; tried to revitalize a flagging economy. for the sake of our troops,'' Runner said. ``The stars serve as a reminder that the military personnel are our own family members and should not be forgotten.'' CAPTION(S): 2 photos Photo: (1) Fred Coby, whose son, Jose, is in the Army, received a Blue Star from Assemblywoman Sharon Runner Saturday. (2) Caroline and Tom Craft, left, and Fred Coby receive their Blue Stars from Assemblywoman Sharon Runner. The Crafts have a daughter, Cheryl, and a son, Michael, in the Navy. Jeff Goldwater/Staff Photographer |
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