The Service Flag is an official banner that is authorized by the Department of Defense. The flag is to be displayed by the family members of a military service member who is serving during any period of war. The flag was created in 1917 by Army Captain Robert Queissner, who also had two sons serving in the military.

The flags are authorized to be displayed in the window of a wife, husband, mother, father, step parent, parents through adoption, foster parents, children, step children, adopted children, brothers, sisters or half siblings of a military member serving in the Armed Forces.

There should be a blue star representing each member of the family who is serving. In the event that a member is killed in the line of duty, the blue star should be covered by a gold star. The gold star should be slightly smaller as to leave a blue border. If there are multiple stars on the banner, the gold star should be the highest.

The Service flag is an indoor flag and should be placed in the window of the home or organization facing out. If the American flag is also displayed with a Service flag, the American flag should be equal in size or larger and should be placed higher than the Service flag.

When your family member joins the military, the American flag takes on an entirely new level of meaning and symbolism. Following are some of the basic rules of flag etiquette as well as guidelines for display and proper disposal of a worn flag.

• The flag should not be used as drapery or decoration. There is red, white and blue bunting available for this purpose. The blue stripe should always be on top.
• The flag should never have any additional marks or drawings placed on it or attached to it.
• The flag should never be lowered or dipped to a person.
• The flag should only be flown upside down as a sign of distress.
• The flag should never touch the ground.
• When removing the flag, it should be folded carefully and ceremoniously.
• When a flag is no longer fit for display, it should be burned in a dignified manner. Many American Legion posts offer this service.
• When the flag is displayed on a flag pole with other flags, the American flag should be the highest. This is also true if the American flag is being flown on a separate pole but with other flags nearby.
• The American flag should be the first flag to be raised and the last to be lowered.
• The American flag should be raised briskly and lowered slowly.
• The flag should be saluted as it is being lowered. Civilians should place their hand over their heart and any headgear should be removed.
• The flag should ideally only be flown from sunrise to sunset. If it is flown at night, it should be illuminated.
• When flown at half staff, the flag should first be raised to full staff and then lowered. It should be raised again before being lowered at sunset.
• The flag is flown at half staff for designated, government officials or by order of the President of the United States or Governor of the state.