Kesters, Branstiters Receive Blue Star Banners On Monday

Two Neligh-Oakdale graduates and their families were recognized during the school's Veterans Day program in high school gym on Monday.

Blue Star Banners were presented to Mike and Tami Kester and Ray and Deb Branstiter, all of Neligh. Their sons are currently active in the military: Zachary Kester, serves in the U.S. Air Force, and Brett Branstiter, is serving in the U.S. Army. Chad Shabram, commander of Legion Post 172, presented the service banners to the families.

It is a long-time tradition to give Blue Star Banners to military families to hang in their windows. The service flag includes a white field on a red banner, and a blue star for each family serving on active duty in the U.S. military, and can include up to five stars.