TEMPLE CITY — The Temple City Blue Star program will give local families a public way to honor loved ones serving in the U.S. military. The city’s newly structured banner program will recognize active-duty service members along Temple City Boulevard.
Personalized banners will display each honoree’s name, military branch and rank. The banners will serve as visible reminders of local residents and families connected to military service.
The first 25 banners will be offered at no cost through June 2027, according to the city.
Eligible honorees must serve on active duty and live in Temple City or have an immediate family member who lives in the city. Qualifying service includes the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Space Force, National Guard and Reserves.
Banners will remain displayed while the honoree serves or for about two to three years. The city will consider the condition and expected lifespan of each banner. Officials will return removed banners to applicants.
Temple City Blue Star Tradition Continues
The new program builds on a military recognition tradition that has existed in Temple City for more than a decade.
A 2014 City Manager’s Report listed the Blue Star Banner Program among community groups supported through fundraising at the city’s summer concert series. A 2017 city report also credited the program with helping Temple City’s Veterans Day celebration. The archived reports are available through the City of Temple City website.
That history became part of discussions as city officials developed the current program.
The Temple City Parks and Recreation Commission reviewed proposed guidelines in February. Commissioners discussed eligibility, display periods and how the city should handle existing military banners.
Commissioners supported limiting new banners to people currently serving. They also supported allowing immediate family members who live in Temple City to nominate eligible service members.
The commission revisited the program in March and reviewed three proposed designs. Commissioners unanimously supported the city’s preferred design.
Recognition Along Temple City Boulevard
Blue Star banners trace their roots to the Blue Star Service Flag. American families used the flag during World War I to signify that a family member was serving in the armed forces.
Communities later expanded the tradition through street banner programs honoring individual military members.
Temple City’s program places that recognition along one of the community’s most visible corridors. Residents traveling Temple City Boulevard will see the names of people with local connections who are serving across the military.
For families, the banners offer a public acknowledgment of service that often takes loved ones far from home.
Applications for the program are available through the city. Residents can review eligibility requirements and application information through the City of Temple City.
The program gives Temple City families a formal way to recognize active-duty loved ones while continuing a longstanding local tradition of honoring military service.
