L to R: Stephanie, David, and Mary Todd are a Gold Star Family. They honor their son Sgt. 1st Class David Todd Jr. who passed away while serving in Afghanistan in 2008. A fitness center was named in his honor. The Todds take part in many activities the Army's Survivor Outreach Services have hosted. Stephanie often honors her brother by running. She participated in the annual Run to Honor in Washington, D.C., in 2015 and the Fallen Boot run in Killeen, Texas, in 2014.
Lauren Braden (right) volunteering with the American Gold Star Moms for an ice cream sundae social at the Audie Murphy Veterans Affairs Hospital. Braden serves with the AGSM to honor her late son, Capt. Jeffery Braden.
Mary and David Todd honor their late son with mementos in their home. Their son, Sgt. 1st Class David Todd Jr., passed away while serving in Afghanistan in 2008.
Mary and David Todd honor their late son with mementos in their home. Their son, Sgt. 1st Class David Todd Jr., passed away while serving in Afghanistan in 2008.
On Sept. 26th, 2021, the nation observes the 85th Gold Star Mother’s and Family’s Day where America honors surviving mothers and families of fallen service members.
A Gold Star family member is someone whose loved one passed away while serving the nation. On June 23, 1936, the 74th United States Congress designated the last Sunday of September as Gold Star Mother’s Day. In 2011, in a proclamation by President Barack Obama, the observance was renamed to include the recognition of Gold Star family members.
The Army is dedicated to paying tribute to fallen service members in recognition of the loved ones they left behind.
"We honor Gold Star mothers and families for the sacrifices they made to protect the freedom and liberty we hold so dear,” said Lt. Gen. Douglas Gabram, Commanding General of Installation Management Command. “We understand that freedom isn't free.”
The Army offers the Survivors Outreach Services program to Gold Star family members. SOS provides help, programs, and a community to help those who have lost their service member.
The Army is committed to providing quality care, support and services to surviving family members with SOS programs at garrisons across the world.
Many SOS groups participate in various community outreach projects. Survivors often give back to the Army in a tradition of selfless service, with friendships, loving care for hospitalized veterans and comfort to other survivors.
Gold Star mothers and families are the resilient legacies of their service member’s sacrifice.
For more information on the Gold Star community:
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