Our Beginning

Retired Army Capt. George H. Maines conceived the idea for the Blue Star Mothers after a conversation with General John Pershing. He ran a newspaper article in the Flint News Advertiser on January 22, 1942. A coupon was included in the article and for each one returned, the mother received a blue star, one for each child overseas. More than 1,000 mothers responded. On February 1, 1942 their first meeting was held and 358 mothers attended. They showed their support of Captain Maines and the Blue Star Mothers of America was formed. This meeting was reported in the Flint Journal on February 2, 1942. 
That same year, chapters quickly formed in Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, Oregon, Iowa, Washington, California, Pennsylvania, and New York.
The blue star flag was designed and patented by World War I Army Capt. Robert Queissner of the 5th Ohio Infantry, who had two sons serving on the front line. This flag quickly became the unofficial symbol of a family member in service.
The Blue Star Mothers' original goals were to bring their sons home, to ensure they received the benefits they deserved, help service members' families, help each other and to be there if something happened. Over the years, the goals have broadened to rehabilitation, hospital work, children's welfare and civil defense. 