Story Published:
Apr 28, 2010 at 9:31 PM CDT
Story Updated:
Apr 28, 2010 at 9:39 PM CDT
This Saturday is Silver Star Service Banner Day, a day dedicated to our wounded and ailing veterans. This will be the fourth year the special day is recognized in the state of Missouri, but the first time it's actually recognized as part of Missouri law, and the first time the entire nation joins in. It all started in rural Christian County.
Steve and Diana Newton have been supporting service members all their lives. "I'm the daughter of a veteran, the sister of a veteran, the wife of a veteran," says Diana.
Steve served in the Marine Corp and later in the Navy Reserves as a military policeman in Desert Storm. It was a trip to a veterans hospital for his Parkinson's years later that gave the Newtons the idea for Silver Star Families of America. It started with a conversation with the parents of a soldier who had lost a limb. "They were just honestly concerned that America would forget their son, and we want to make sure that nobody ever does," says Steve.
The Newtons started Silver Star Families of America, supporting wounded and ill veterans of all wars with care packages, and their trademark- the Silver Star Service Banner. Since 2006, the group has awarded more than 2,500 of the banners, meant to be displayed on a wall or in a window. "Tears will come to their eyes, and they'll look at you and they'll say, this is the first time I've ever been honored. This is the first time anybody's ever told me welcome home. That makes it all worthwhile," says Steve.
Then, starting with local and state governments, the Newtons, from their rural headquarters, and a handful of other members around the country, managed to get May 1st recognized as Silver Star Banner Service Day. It didn't catch on too fast. "Some of them were just a little bit difficult to persuade that this is something they could do too; it complements all of the other traditional veterans holidays," Diana says.
But now, because of a United States House resolution passed April 21st, it is a national day. "I'm weak in the knees; I really am. It's an amazing thing, and we're so proud of everybody that made it happen," Diana says.
"Patriotism is not dead. Patriotism is alive and well," Steve says.
Nearly 3,000 cities and 49 states have signed proclamations recognizing the day, and this Saturday, May 1st, is the first National Silver Star Service Banner Day. The Newtons chose May 1st because they thought it would be a fitting kick-off for Military Appreciation Month.
The Newtons say the day will be celebrated with some banner presentations, and they hope Americans will pay visits or do other kind acts for wounded and ill veterans on this day meant specially for them.
Learn more at The Silver Star Families of America website.
