Savannah Blue Star Program
After several weeks of preparation, the Blue Star Program started on July 4 on River Street right before the annual fireworks presentation.
The details of the program are quite simple. Every household of deployed soldiers will receive a Blue Star card that can be used at participating businesses offering discounts beginning at 20% off goods and services. The card will only be issued to families who have a deployed soldier. The card must be shown in order to receive a discount. The card will expire at the end of December 2008. The true intent of this initiative is for businesses to offer substantial discounts that go above and beyond existing programs.
The Blue Star is a standing tradition created by the American Legion which signifies that an individual is a family member or spouse of a deployed soldier. The history of the Blue Star dates back to World War I with the Blue Star Flag. The flag also called the Service Flag, hung in the windows of families of deployed soldiers. The blue in the flag symbolizes both hope and pride. The Chamber is modeling the Savannah Blue Star Support idea after a similar program in Hawaii.
The Chamber continues to receive inquiries and registrations from various businesses. In fact, we are encouraging Chamber members to spread the word and enlist as many businesses as possible. For more information on Savannah Blue Star, e-mail info@savannahbluestar.com.
