In May 1918 President Wilson approved the suggestion of the Women's Committee of National Defenses. It recommended that American women should wear a black band on the upper left arm, adorned with a gold star. Each star representing a family member who had given his or her life for their country. This was suggested in lieu of conventional mourning attire. The "star" tradition began in WW I when white Service Flags were displayed from homes, business, schools and churches to indicate, by the us...