Has eleven sons in service. Ike Sims of Atlanta, Georgia, 87 years old, has eleven sons in the service, circa 1917-19. A service flag or service banner in the United States is an official banner that family members of service members can display. The flag or banner is defined as a white field with a red border, with a blue star for each family member serving in the Armed Forces of the United States during any period of war or hostilities in which the Armed Forces of the United States are engaged. These flags were first used in World War I. The banner was designed in 1917 by United States Army Captain Robert L. Queisser of the Fifth Ohio Infantry, in honor of his two sons who were serving ioverseas. It was quickly adopted by the public and by government officials.