On 29 September, the nation will come together to observe Gold Star Mother’s and Family Day. This is a solemn time to show respect and gratitude for the families of those who have received The Gold Star – the military award no one wants to receive. For it not only commemorates the tragic death of a loved one who has valiantly lost his or her life in the line of duty but also reminds us all that military members never serve alone.
We at the Office of Enterprise Management (OEM) are honoring the more than 1.7 million families of the fallen by sharing resources and information from the U.S. Army for survivors and ways to assist those who have tragically lost a loved one while serving.
The History and Meaning of Gold Star Mother’s and Family Day
To truly understand the impact of Gold Star Mother’s and Family Day, we must first examine its origins. The tradition dates back to World War I, when families displayed service flags with blue stars to represent loved ones serving in the military. If a service member lost his or her life, the blue star was replaced with a gold one, symbolizing the family’s loss and the nation's gratitude.
In 1936, Congress designated the last Sunday in September as Gold Star Mother’s Day (now known as Gold Star Mother’s and Family Day).
Following the end of World War II, Congress designated the Gold Star Lapel Pin. The pin features a gold star with a purple background surrounded by laurel leaves. According to law, the United States military must present the lapel pin to the immediate family member of the deceased.
Gold Star Pin
Army Resources and Information for Gold Star Mothers and Families
The Army recognizes that no one has given more for the nation than the families of the fallen. That’s why they have it their mission to provide services and programs for Gold Star Mothers and Families. The cornerstone of these initiatives is the Army Survivor Outreach Services (SOS). Providing long-term support to surviving families of fallen Soldiers, their goal is to reassure survivors that they remain valued members of the Army family. The SOS services include grief counseling, financial counseling, benefits coordination, support groups, and more. For more information SOS Services.
The Army also has a designated Gold Star and Surviving Family Member Representative to advocate for Army surviving family members. For more information, visit Gold Star Advocate.
Additional Support for Gold Star Mothers and Families
Support for Gold Star mothers and families is also available through the following organizations:
- Peer Support Groups: Organizations like the American Gold Star Mothers and Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) offer community support, counseling, and resources. For more information, visit TAPS.
- Memorials and Scholarships: Many foundations provide scholarships to the children of fallen service members or fund memorials that honor their service and sacrifice. For a list of available scholarships, Military One Source.
- Advocacy for Veterans and Military Families: Encouraging legislative efforts and policies that offer continued support to the families of the fallen ensures that their needs are met long after their loved one’s passing.
Gold Star Mother’s and Family Day is a powerful reminder that the sacrifice of our brave military men and women extends well beyond their uniform. It permeates the very fabric of our Soldiers’ loved ones’ lives. And, if only for one day, we can all stop to honor their strength, resilience, and dedication to our country, then we will have made a difference.
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