National Gold Star Family Day

A heartwarming image of a diverse group of families embracing each other, dressed in patriotic colors, in a serene park setting.. — National gold star family day illustration

Hey there, National Gold Star Family Day is definitely a day worth celebrating! It's a time to honor and recognize the families of fallen servicemen and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Let's dive into the fascinating history behind this important day.

When is Gold Star Family Day?

It's national gold star family day on the 25th September.

The Birth of National Gold Star Family Day

Every year on the last Sunday in September, we come together to observe National Gold Star Family Day. This day serves as a powerful reminder of the immense bravery and sacrifice of the families left behind, as well as the selfless service of their loved ones who gave everything for our freedom. The origins of this day can be traced back to World War I, when families began displaying flags with blue stars symbolizing their family members serving in the armed forces.

Tragically, when a servicemember lost their life during active duty, the blue star on the flag would be replaced with a gold star, indicating their ultimate sacrifice. This practice soon became known as displaying a Gold Star Service Flag, and it carried deep meaning for the families affected.

It wasn't until 1936 that the first Gold Star Mothers pilgrimage took place. Gold Star Mothers, who had lost sons or daughters in World War I, were taken by the U.S. government to visit their loved ones' graves in France. This trip helped them find solace and allowed them to grieve alongside other mothers who understood their pain. This pivotal moment inspired the Gold Star Wives and American Gold Star Mothers organizations.

Recognizing the Sacrifice

In the following years, recognition and support for these families grew, culminating in the establishment of National Gold Star Mother's Day by a joint resolution of Congress in 1936. Initially observed on the last Sunday in September, it was a day to honor and show appreciation for the mothers who had lost sons or daughters in service to the nation.

Over time, the observance expanded to recognize the entire Gold Star family—the parents, siblings, spouses, and children who have suffered devastating losses. In 2012, Congress designated the last Sunday in September as National Gold Star Family Day, broadening the recognition to include all immediate family members.

Remembering and Honoring

National Gold Star Family Day presents an opportunity for communities, organizations, and individuals to show their support and appreciation. It's a day to remember the fallen heroes and extend a hand of support to their families who continue to grieve and navigate life without their loved ones. Many ceremonies, events, and outreach programs are organized nationwide to honor these families and ensure they know they are never forgotten.

Whether it's participating in a memorial service, flying a U.S. flag with a gold star, or simply reaching out to a Gold Star family and expressing your gratitude, every act of appreciation matters. National Gold Star Family Day is a poignant reminder that behind every hero stands a resilient and grieving family, and their sacrifice should never be overlooked.

History behind the term 'Gold Star Family'

1918

The tradition of the Gold Star begins.

The term 'gold star' originated during World War I in the United States. It was used to honor families who had lost a loved one serving in the military. Families displayed a service flag with a blue star for each living member in the military and a gold star to honor those who had made the ultimate sacrifice.

1918

Creation of the Gold Star Mothers

In 1918, during World War I, the Blue Star Mothers organization was formed in the United States to support families with sons or daughters serving in the military. As a way to honor those who had made the ultimate sacrifice, the organization began using gold stars to represent fallen service members. This marked the beginning of the term 'gold star' being associated with the loss of a loved one in military service.

1936

Origins of the Gold Star

The term 'gold star' originated during World War I, when American military families began displaying a service flag in their windows. The service flag featured a blue star for each family member serving in the armed forces. The tradition of using gold stars to honor fallen servicemembers began in 1936 when President Franklin D. Roosevelt authorized the Gold Star Lapel Button. The gold star represented a family member who lost their life while serving in the military.

1947

Gold Star Mothers

In 1947, the term 'Gold Star Mother' was officially recognized and established by the United States Congress. It was created to honor and support mothers who had lost a son or daughter in military service. Gold Star Mothers became a symbol of sacrifice and resilience, representing the strength and courage of military families who endured such a devastating loss.

1947

Official recognition by the U.S. government

In 1947, the U.S. Congress officially recognized the Gold Star Mothers organization and declared the last Sunday in September as 'Gold Star Mother's Day'. This day was designated to honor and recognize the sacrifices and strength of Gold Star Mothers who had lost children in military service. This recognition helped popularize the term 'gold star family' and raised awareness about the importance of supporting these families.

1920

Gold Star Mothers establishes itself as an organization.

In 1920, a group of twenty-five women who had lost sons in World War I met in Washington D.C. and formed the organization known as Gold Star Mothers. This group was composed of mothers who had lost their children in the war and sought support and healing through their shared experiences. Gold Star Mothers played a vital role in establishing the term 'gold star family' as a symbol of sacrifice and remembrance.

1936

Gold Star Wives forms to support spouses.

In 1936, the Gold Star Wives of America was founded to provide support and assistance to the spouses of fallen service members. This organization aimed to provide a sense of community and understanding to those who had lost their partners in military service. With the formation of Gold Star Wives, the concept of the 'gold star family' expanded to include not only parents but also spouses.

2014

Gold Star Family Designation

In 2014, the U.S. Department of Defense added the term 'Gold Star Family' to its official lexicon. This designation was established to honor and recognize immediate family members of fallen servicemembers who died while serving in conflicts or as a result of their service. The term extends beyond mothers to include fathers, spouses, children, and siblings who have lost a loved one in the line of duty.

1966

Expanding the concept to include all family members

In 1966, the term 'gold star family' expanded beyond just mothers and began to encompass all immediate family members of fallen service members. This change occurred as society recognized the collective grief and support needed by families who had lost loved ones in service to their country. The term 'gold star family' became widely used to describe the relatives of fallen military personnel.

1947

The term 'gold star family' enters public consciousness.

Following World War II, the term 'gold star family' gained widespread recognition and entered the public consciousness. As the nation experienced the collective grief of losing thousands of servicemen and women, the term became a symbol of honor and respect for the families left behind. The sacrifices of gold star families were acknowledged and respected by society as a whole.

2018

Recognition and Remembrance

The importance of supporting and recognizing Gold Star Families grew over the years, with national organizations like the American Gold Star Mothers and Gold Star Wives of America providing support and resources for those who have lost loved ones in military service. In 2018, Gold Star Families were officially recognized and honored on Gold Star Family Day, observed on the last Sunday of September each year. This day serves as a reminder to appreciate and remember the sacrifices made by these families and their fallen heroes.

2010

Official recognition and observance of Gold Star Family Day

In 2010, the U.S. Congress passed a resolution designating the last Sunday in September as 'Gold Star Family Day'. This day is now officially observed to honor and recognize the ongoing sacrifices made by Gold Star Families and to express gratitude for their loved ones' service. The observance of Gold Star Family Day helps raise awareness about the challenges faced by these families and promotes support for them within communities.

2011

The White House creates the Gold Star Family Registry.

In 2011, the White House established the Gold Star Family Registry to ensure the stories of gold star families are preserved and accessible. This online database allows families to share their loved ones' stories, photos, and memories, ensuring their legacies are never forgotten. The creation of the registry further solidifies the significance of the term 'gold star family' as part of American history and culture.

Did you know?

Did you know that the U.S. Department of Defense issues Gold Star lapel pins to immediate family members of fallen service members? These pins serve as a symbol of honor and respect, and they are a small way to recognize the immense sacrifice made by Gold Star families.