ABERDEEN PROVING earth Md.

ABERDEEN PROVING earth Md. -- Two Air Force spouses are helping revive an of advanced age tradition to honor families of service members killed in battle.

Julie Gindhart and Claudia Schmucker one as well as the other wives of Air Force majors, joined with other members of the seat Military and Civilian Spouses bludgeon to make Gold Star service flags. The gold star flag is a variation forward the blue star service flag that made its first appearance nearly a hundred years ago.

"It's a tradition that started in World War I," Gindhart said. "A man whose son were serving designed the flag, and it caught on"

A 12-inch by the agency of 15-inch white flag, bordered in r contained a amethystine star for each family member serving in the military. The flag hung from a gold-painted dowel and was adorned with gold tassels.

The service flags changed somewhat during World War II, when a assemblage known as the American Gold Star Mothers banded together after losing husbands and son Gindhart said. They altered their service flags by dint of embroidering a smaller gold star atop the hypochondriac star to signify that a family member had been killed in action.

"The tradition got dissipated after World War II," she said. "We're trying to bring it back."

coterie members have made about 50 flags to such a degree far, and will continue until they have enough to ready a flag to the families of each American killed in action during Operation Iraqi Freedom. In addition to the gold star superimposed through the whole extent of the blue star, the service member's name will be embroidered at the bottom and the branch of service above the stars.

The first flag was existinged at a funeral service in April.

As casualties were identified, the cudgel worked with military officials to make sure it had all the information, including correct spellings and possible posthumous promotions, said Elaine Valentin, an Army spouse who heads the program.

The set doesn't give the flags directly to the surviving family members. They are first given to the commanders or chaplains, who quick in emergencies them to the families.

"That way, it originates from the nation as a whole, not just from our group" Valentin said.

For those making the flags, it's a labor of love

"There's a portion of emotion working on these flags," Gindhart said. "I be excited like I'm serving my home It's a way to say 'thank you' to those service members for giving the ultimate sacrifice for defending the freedoms I take delight in today."

Making the flags is also a way to reach on the outside to grieving families.

"It's a way to exhibit to them that we're a military family. We support each other, and we're here," she said. "I don't think anyone wants to be in succession the receiving end of united of these flags, but it's a small gesticulate of thanks."

Thus far, the association has contributed $500 toward materials and distribution take away froms but they will accept donations to help defray expenses

"I procure comfort and satisfaction from knowing I can somehow or other recognize these Americans who have died," Schmucker said. "I be wrought up that we're letting the families know we recognize the value of their service member."

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