A service flag was proudly displayed in a window at 917 Bennett Ave. This small flag ” red and white in color ” contained a blue star representing each loved one in service to the military.

The date was Jan. 13, 1944. The United States had been engaged in World War II for over two years. As the conflict escalated, many young local men and women joined the war. Therefore, the display of service flags was not an uncommon sight.

This service flag at the Bennett Avenue home of Mrs. Fedela Gonzales contained six blue stars. Of Mrs. Gonzales’ 11 children, five of her sons and one of her daughters were away from Glenwood Springs serving in the Army and in the Marine Corps.

Her son, Staff Sgt. Anthony Gonzales, had enlisted with the Army in 1940, and was serving with the infantry in Hawaii, Australia and New Guinea. Army Sgt. Leo Gonzales was stationed at Camp Gordon in Georgia. Pvt. John Gonzales, also with the Army, was stationed in Hawaii, while his brother, Pvt. Delphine Gonzales, had just begun his military training at Fort Logan, Colo. Pvt. William Gonzales was with the Medical Detachment at Fitzsimons General Hospital in Denver. Pvt. Virginia Gonzales enlisted with the U.S. Women’s Marine Corps Reserve in 1943, and was receiving basic training at Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Time, distance, and service to country separated the Gonzales family during World War II, but the flag in the window displaying the six stars reminded the community of the sacrifices made by this and all Glenwood Springs families for a greater cause.

“Frontier Diary” is provided to the Glenwood Springs Post Independent by the Frontier Historical Society and Museum, 1001 Colorado Ave., Glenwood Springs. Summer hours are 11 to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday.