Each year on the last Sunday in September, Americans observe Gold Star Mother’s and Family’s Day, honoring the families of U.S. service members who died in service to our nation.

The observance recognizes not only those who gave their lives, but also the mothers, fathers, spouses, children, siblings, and other loved ones who carry their memory forward.

What Is a Gold Star Family?

The Gold Star tradition dates to World War I, when families displayed service flags representing loved ones serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.

A blue star represented a family member serving in the military. If that service member died, the blue star was replaced with a gold star.

Over time, the Gold Star became a nationally recognized symbol of a family’s loss and sacrifice.

How the National Observance Began

On June 23, 1936, Congress designated the last Sunday in September as Gold Star Mother’s Day.

While the original observance specifically honored mothers who had lost a child in military service, recognition has broadened to include the families of fallen service members. Today, Gold Star Mother’s and Family’s Day honors the wider Gold Star community and the sacrifices these families continue to carry.

The Gold Star Lapel Button

In 1947, Congress authorized the Gold Star Lapel Button for eligible next of kin of members of the Armed Forces who lost their lives during war or armed hostilities.

A separate Next of Kin of Deceased Personnel Lapel Button was introduced in 1973 to recognize eligible family members of service members who died while serving under other circumstances.

Both serve as visible reminders of the sacrifice carried by the families of fallen service members.

Honoring Gold Star Families

Gold Star Mother’s and Family’s Day is an opportunity to remember those who gave their lives in service to the United States and to recognize the families who continue to carry their legacy.

On this day, we honor America’s Gold Star families, remember their loved ones, and recognize the extraordinary sacrifice represented by the Gold Star.

May we never forget the fallen — or the families they left behind.

Sources

U.S. Army — Gold Star Survivors
History of Gold Star families, service flags, Gold Star Mother’s Day, and Gold Star lapel buttons.