Mel Vynne is the latest recipient of the Blue Star Banner awarded by the American Legion Auxiliary.

The custom of the Blue Star Banner began in WWI as a symbol that a family has a loved one in military service during time of war. Vynne is the mother of U.S. Navy Lieutenant Junior Grade Fletcher Vynne, a 2003 FHHS graduate.

The banner displayed in the front window of a home shows a family’s pride in their loved one serving in the military and reminds others what preserving America’s freedom demands.

Friday Harbor’s American Legion Auxiliary sends monthly care packages to any local related soldier, sailor or Marine serving combat areas. Fletcher’s mother advised on the snacks her son preferred and contributed items to fill the monthly boxes.

The boxes contain homemade cookies, snacks, hygiene and other comfort items.

“These boxes are sent to individual service members monthly as a reminder that we at home care and are grateful for their service,” said the Legion’s Minnie Knych.

Any San Juan Islander who has a friend or relative serving in harm’s way can contact Knych at 378-7040 to have monthly packages sent to that service man or woman for the duration of their tour of duty.