Honoring Our Local Heroes: The Blue Star Banner Program
At the heart of Rotary lies a commitment to “Service Above Self”—a principle beautifully embodied in the Blue Star Banner program adopted by the Rowlett Rotary Club.

The Blue Star Banner tradition dates back over a century. It began during World War I, when U.S. Army Captain Robert L. Queissner designed and displayed a service flag with a blue star to represent his two sons serving on the front lines. The idea quickly spread, and families across the nation began displaying similar banners in their windows to honor loved ones in military service. During World War II, this tradition became even more widespread, eventually gaining formal recognition by the U.S. Department of Defense.

Today, the Rowlett Rotary Club proudly carries on this patriotic legacy by offering Blue Star Banners to families in our community who have loved ones actively serving in the United States Armed Forces. The banners, simple yet deeply meaningful, serve as a visible sign of support, sacrifice, and pride.

This initiative was brought to our club by a passionate member who believed it was time to bring this tradition home to Rowlett. Through generous community partnerships and the dedication of our Rotary members, the program has grown steadily—providing banners at no cost to families and publicly recognizing their service during city events and special presentations.

Each banner is more than just a decoration. It’s a symbol that says, “Someone in this home is serving—and we as a community stand behind them.” For the families who receive them, it’s a gesture of support and gratitude that goes beyond words.

We are proud to honor this long-standing tradition and to continue the legacy of recognizing military families in our own backyard. If you know a Rowlett family with a loved one currently serving in the military, or if you’d like to support the Blue Star Banner program, please contact us.

Together, we can ensure that those who serve—and those who wait at home—know they are seen, valued, and appreciated.

💙 Service Above Self in Action! 💙

At our recent Rowlett Rotary Club car wash fundraiser with Caliber Car Wash, we were raising funds to support our community initiatives—but two incredible young men saw a chance to do even more.

Jace and Anson Carrier pitched the idea to host a lemonade stand during the event to raise money for Kerr County flood victims. Thanks to their heart, hustle, and a whole lot of lemonade, they raised $300—and the Rowlett Rotary Club is proud to match their donation, bringing the total to $600 for families in need. 🙌

Huge thanks to everyone who donated and supported their efforts. This is what community looks like! 💛