Blue Star waves for our nation's heroes

Madison (WTNH) - A Blue Star flag waves in the air for courage and commitment as a special tribute to our nation's heroes.

Downtown Madison serves as the backdrop as proud parents admire the symbol for those who serve.

"We are just so excited to see a labor of love come true on behalf of all the kids who are in harms way right now," said Bob Russell of Madison.

In the center of the flag, a blue star honors the work of their sons and daughters.

"I'm just happy that Matthew is doing exactly what he wants to be doing," Katy Russel of Madison said of her son.

First Lieutenant Matt Russell is serving in Iraq. Second Lt. Jamie Hustek and Lt. Greg Marvinsmith are in other parts of the world; two marines and a naval officer who grew up together in Madison. As kids, they played on the same lacrosse team. They now share the duty of defending the nation.

"You know it's just wonderful that we can have this flying for them in honor of them," said Debbie Hustek of Madison; Jamie's mother.

The Blue Star flag first became a symbol of pride during World War One and during wartime Madison has flown various versions of it.

These families wanted to revive the tradition. So, thanks to donations of money and time, the Blue Star flag was recently sewn together by a local flag maker. Money was raised by the team that first brought these young men together.

"It was paid for by the Madison Youth Lacrosse and all of our, the three of our sons, all played lacrosse in Madison and grew up in Madison and it's just wonderful they supported us in this way," said Debbie.

Madison's firefighters also wanted to help by tying the flag to a ladder truck. It will drape across Route One as the town's Memorial Day Parade marches by.

"We are always honored to honor everybody who is out there serving currently, past and present, for Memorial Day," said Madison Fire Chief Robert Charles Gerard.

The star represents the sacrifices of those serving but also the support of those standing by at home.

"I'm thinking about a lot of the mothers and that's what that's all about," said Katy.

"It really brings home the pride that we fell for our kids," Debbie said.

"We are thinking of all of them, so we thank you," Katy.

Monday's parade kicks of at 10 a.m. in Madison.

Families in Madison are working on starting their own Blue Star Mothers Group. And right now they are gathering information from families in that area who have had loved ones serve between 1990 and the present.