The Blue Star Service Banner displayed in the window of a home is an American tradition dating back to World War I. The banner tells everyone that someone in the family is proudly serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.
In the Oxford area, three homes fly the single-star banner for U.S. Army Specialist Fourth Class Chad Acheson.
Acheson, a gunner in the Army’s Fourth Infantry, was deployed for Operation Iraqi Freedom this past April. He was originally stationed in Fort Carson, Colorado.
‘I was all for him joining the army,? said dad Keith Acheson. ‘I thought the army was a good move for him.?
Keith has a strong personal connection for wanting to fly the flag on his front door ? he was a member of the Fourth Infantry, the same as his son, during the Vietnam War.
‘I was drafted and served from 1969 to 1971,? he stated. ‘I was in the signal core.?
Father and son were proud to express their loyalty to their country and to each other by marching together in uniform at the 2002 Fourth of July parade.
‘I am very proud that my son is serving,? said Keith.
Mom Jan Acheson is also very proud of her son’s achievements.
‘It is definitely out of pride that we fly that flag,? she said. ?(Chad) is very good at his job and very dedicated to his family and his country.?
Chad and his wife Tami, both Oxford High School graduates, have known each other since they were five. The couple has a 10-month-old daughter, Isabelle. The other two Blue Star Service Banners flying for Chad are on the homes of Tami’s parents and her grandmother.
‘We are all definitely proud of what Chad is doing,? said Jan.
For those wishing to display the banner for a loved one in the service, The Blue Star Service Banner is available through the American Legion Walter Fraser Post 108 in Oxford (248-628-9081) or can be ordered online at www.legion.org.