Silver Star Banner Day is Monday, May 1. The designation recognizes the sacrifices of the ill, wounded, and dying members of the United States military. The day also honors those awarded with the Silver Star Medal and their families. The Medal is awarded to those who demonstrate distinguished valor in combat and is the third highest decoration in the Armed Forces. 

The Silver Star Banner itself has blue stars representing hope. The stars are covered with threads of silver symbolizing the gallantry of the service members. Silver Star Banner Day was founded in 2004 by the recently organized Silver Star Families of America (SSFOA). Standalone House Resolution 855 in April 2010 made the May 1 designation official from that point forward.

For more information about Silver Star Banner Day and the existing traditions for observing it, click here.