MADISON – Members of Madison American Legion, Post 229 honored a young Huntsville man and his family for his decision to join and serve in the United States Marine Corps.

Private Matthew Dye received a Blue Star Banner during the Madison Legionnaires general membership meeting on Aug. 8 at Lunar Lodge in Madison.

Post Commander Larry Vannoy said Private Dye was present with his parents, Joey and Andrea Dye; brother, William Dye; and best friend Justin Jolley.

“Private Dye had just completed his basic training at Paris Island, S.C. and was home on leave while waiting to report for advanced infantry training in North Carolina,” Vannoy said. “Upon completion of this training, he will be transferred to his specialty school.”

A graduate of Madison Academy, Dye was attending Calhoun Community College when “he realized the need to really make a difference. He determined that serving in the Marines Corps was the means to accomplish his goal,” Vannoy said.

Dye’s family also received a Blue Star Banner with a single star. They can display the banner at their home to signify that a family member currently is serving on active duty.

At the ceremony, Tom McKinney read a Legion Proclamation for Dye. McKinney, a Vietnam-era Marine, serves as Americanism Chairperson for Post 229.

“It’s an American tradition to display a Blue Star Service Banner in the window of a home when a loved one is proudly serving in the U.S. Armed Forces and serves to remind us that war military service touches every neighborhood and workplace,” Vannoy said.

In addition, the American Legion also offers a corporate version of the banner for the businesses and government organizations that want to show support for employees actively serving in the National Guard or Reserve.

In 1917, World War I Army Capt. Robert L. Queisser of the 5th Ohio Infantry designed and patented the Blue Star Banner. Queisser’s two sons served on the front line.

Madison American Legion, Post 229 meets monthly on second Thursdays at 7 p.m. at Lunar Lodge. Interested individuals can attend a meeting or contact Post Adjutant Stacey Harring by calling 256-258-8534, or visit americanlegionpost229.org or Facebook/AmericanLegionPost229.