Silver Star Banner Day set for 2010

L.E. Crowley
Town Correspondent

Next year Norwell will be a part of a new honor for the country’s military families: Silver Star Banner Day.

Selectmen this week unanimously agreed to a proclamation that designates May 1, 2010, as Silver Star Banner Day.

“We missed this year, but we’ll be ready for next year,” said Veterans Agent Richard Caldwell. “It’s another way to honor those who give so much."

Norwell joins the Silver Star families movement, an initiative begun in 2005 by an all-volunteer, non-profit group whose mission is to support wounded and ill military personnel and their families from all wars.

It is similar to organizations like Gold Star Mothers of America, which formed during World War I to honor mothers whose sons were killed in action, and other groups that offer family support for service members.

The organization gives families of wounded and ill military members a Silver Star banner free of charge.

The town will recognize Silver Star Banner Day with a proclamation that will be added to the Stars and Stripes Museum, Caldwell said. He said he is uncertain if there will be any other honors, such as commemorative dinners or other events, as part of the day of recognition.