6^^ /O The Commonweal til of Massachusetts THE STAR OF SERVICE rOR> THE PLAG, POR> LIBERTY AND POR> JUSTICE EMBIiEMS OF SERVICE THE MOST JUST AND MOST COMPELLING CAUSE THAT EVEFo ENNOBLED THE PURSUn^ OF VICTORY' Y\a.Z, PREPARED UNDER> THE DIR^ECTTON OP THE 5 SECRETARY OF THE COMMONWE.^LTH |^\§. \ rostun: \VKK;HT ami iriTTRK I'KINTlNc, (HMrAW SI'ATF IRINTFks R£C£ts/eO i MUL3 21 1B29 i j DOCUw^Ei^^S DIVISION^ fU I o Efje Commontocaltb of iHaggacfjusfcttsi EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT Boston, May 15, 1918 To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives : There has been adopted in the Commonwealth, through common consent, a flag which indicates by a star the fact that a man is in the service of the country, which is practically uniform in character. These service flags fly from the homes of the boys, from the city and town halls, churches, colleges, clubs and other places. It is a beautifril custom and is a rare ornament to the structure flying the flags. There has not, however, been an approval by the Commonwealth of this plan, nor, so far as I know, has there been any effort to make pro- vision for further insignia to show by these flags those who were wounded in the service, received marks of distinction, were captured, or were missing. It seems to me desirable that the Commonwealth should make some oflicial provision so that there will be uniformity in the method of marking, and thus avoid confusion. The State is a direct partner with any family that flies a flag, and shares the joy, honor, and sorrow of the family. In accordance with this thought, I am transmitting you herewith a suggestion that has been drafted by Mr. Herbert H. Boynton, Deputy Secretary of the Commonwealth, who was also instrumental in providing the material for a little booklet issued by the Commonwealth on " Gur Flag." I recommend that such action be taken in the premises as you may deem proper. At-t.»-c*u-<^ ^Xuo Cu^^ ^^c Commontucaltf) of iHassfacjjusfctts; OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY In accordance with the foregoing recommendation, the House of Representatives by an order dated May 28, 19 18, authorized the preparation of a series of designs complete in themselves for symbolizing likely events of service, and which are capable of use for any combinations of such events, with necessary instructions for their use. An endeavor has been made to establish by the accom- panying emblems, a simple and comprehensive method, not conflicting with established official usage. The blue star (loyalty, sincerity and justice) upon a white field (hope, purity and truth) is so universally accepted as the emblem of service that its use is con- tinued, each star representing a particular individual, the symbols being the same, however, when the white star on a blue ground is used. Gold indicates wounds, officially recognized distin- guished service, and death. (See designs 2, 3 and 4.) A gold cross in the centre of the star indicates wounds. A gold circle on the blue star indicates officially rec- ognized distinguished service, and a gold star in the centre of the blue star indicates death. It is suggested that in the case of death, in addition to the gold star, a laurel wreath partly enveloping the blue star, may be used with excellent effect. (See design 10.) The color red indicates missing or captured. (See designs 5 and 6.) Red diamonds placed at the base between the points of the star represent missing, and a red circle enveloping the star represents captured. If desired, rank may be shown by the proper insignia or chevron of the officer or non-commissioned officer placed directly above the star. Service in the " * zone of the advance " may be symbolized by a gold chevron placed below the star, one for each six months of such service. Secretary of the Commonwealth Boston, May 28, 1918 * Zone nearest the enemy ---^s?^ IN RECOGNITION OF SERVICE TO GOD, TO COUNTRY AND TOR AN HONORABLE AND PERMANENT PEACE IN THE WORLD EMBIiEMS OF SERVICE In Service in tKe Army or Navy of the United States No. EMBIiEMS OF SERVICE Wounded in Service No. 2 EMBIiEMS OF SERVICE Decorated for Distinguished Service No. 3 EMBIiEMS OF SERVICE tV Died in Service No. 4 EMBIiEMS OF SERVICE Missinq No. 5 EMBIiEMS OF SERVICE Captured No. 6 EMBIiEMS OF SERVICE Wounded and Decorated for Distmcjuished Service No. 7 EMBIiEMS OF SERVICE Decorated for Distinquished Service and Died in Service No. 8 EMBIiEMS OF SERVICE Wounded, Decorated for Distinguished Service and Missing No. 9 EMBIiEMS OF SERVICE Died in Service Gold Star Insert (Laurel Wreath Optional) No. 10 LIBRARY OF CONGRESS I I III III nil nil 011 396 967 2