Gold Star Mother’s and Family Day – September 25, 2022

 Gold Star Mother’s and Family Day falls on September 25 this year and is traditionally observed on
the last Sunday in September. The day is for honoring families of those who have received The Gold Star – the military award no one wants. The award commemorates the tragic death of a military member who has perished while in the line of duty and hopes to provide a level of comfort to the parents and families that are left behind. Since World War 1, a “Gold Star Family” has signified a family that has lost one of its members in combat. The family can display a Gold Star Service Flag for any military family members who have died from any honorable cause – each gold star on the flag signifies a death. Though today only around 1% of the country is involved in military service, as compared to the 12% during other times of war, like World War 2, there are still a significant number of surviving Gold Star families – not to mention, a Gold Star lives on in a family’s legacy.

History of Gold Star Mother’s and Family Day

The gold star became a sign of a family member who had died in action during World War 1, while the
tradition's exact origins are unknown. At that time, being a "Gold Star Family" came to indicate that you were the family of a service member who had died, and families began to display banners with gold stars outside of their homes. Since then, the custom has been approved and aims to lessen mothers' and families' suffering while serving as a reminder that no one truly serves alone.

Symbols worn or locations outside the home became just a few of the ways that mourning family members may pay tribute to their loved ones over time. President Wilson permitted bereaved military moms to wear the customary black armband with a gold star in 1918. Soon after, it was authorized for households to replace the blue star on the service flag flying outside with a gold one. Gold Star family members have been able to wear the Gold Star Lapel since 1947.

When Grace Siebold's son was killed in action during World War 1, the American Gold Star Mothers Inc. was founded. Grace assembled the women who would later become the American Gold Star Mothers to grieve collectively and care for hospitalized veterans in nearby hospitals in order to establish a support network for bereaved mothers in like situations. In 1928, the group officially became a non-profit with the goals of promoting patriotism, education, and memory. They continue to hold an annual conference, assist Gold Star moms in their grief, and plan gatherings with related organizations.

Gold Star Mother's and Family Day was established by Congress in 1936 to be the final Sunday in September, even though at the time it was only known as "Gold Star Mother's Day." Unlike Memorial Day, it is not honored as a national federal holiday. President Obama changed the proclamation in 2011, proclaiming the day to honor both moms and families. Any member of the immediate family may now participate in the celebration and fly the Gold Star Service Flag.

America is no longer involved in conflicts like World War 1 or 2, and considerably fewer people think of Gold Star heroes and their families. In fact, many people mistakenly believe they have no acquaintances who are members of Gold Star Families. However, there are a lot more Gold Star families from earlier conflicts than you might imagine, and given that there are currently over 1.3 million individuals serving in the military, it's probable that you know a family that is still mourning a recent casualty. The best approach to support the families and honor the warriors is to recognize the sacrifice and the celebration.

Gold Star Mother’s and Family Day FAQs

Where is Gold Star Mother’s and Family Day recognized?

The United States.

What are some organizations that support Gold Star families?

Obviously, a great choice is The American Gold Star Mothers! Other charitable organizations that support families of the fallen include Snowball Express, America’s Gold Star Families, and fallenpatriots.org.

When is Gold Star Mother’s and Family Day?

Gold Star Mother’s and Family is observed on the last Sunday in September.

How to Observe Gold Star Mother’s and Family Day

1. Read about the heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice

   Endless family testimonials, articles, and other media can be found to learn more about the lives of our brave service members. This Gold Star Mothers and Family Day, learn more about their bravery and honor their memory.

2. Donate to an organization that supports Gold Star Mothers and Families

   Many organizations are dedicated to supporting Gold Star Mothers and Families emotionally and with other benefits. Specifically for mothers, you can donate to the American Gold Star Mothers Inc. Other organizations to consider are Snowball Express and fallenpatriots.org, but do your own research and determine where your money is best donated.

3. Visit a Gold Star soldier’s grave

   Gold Star soldiers must not be forgotten, and a great way to remind ourselves of their sacrifice is to visit their grave. You might consider laying some flowers or a flag at their resting place.

5 Important Facts About Gold Star Mother’s And Family Day 

1. There is a National Gold Star Families Registry  

This program honors fallen soldiers by keeping a registry of their deaths, so as to properly  recognize them publicly.

2. The American Gold Star Mothers are headquartered in California 

 

Called “The Gold Star Manor,” a home on a 23-acre piece of land in Long Beach, CA serves as the headquarters for the American Gold Star Mothers.

 
3. Gold Star Mothers raise money for Wreaths Across America

 
During the holidays, the American Gold Star Mothers partner with Wreaths Across America, helping them raise money to put wreaths on the graves of gold star soldiers.

 
 4. There are over 470,000 Gold Star Families

 
While you may not think you know a Gold Star Family, with approximately 472,050 Gold Star Families reported by the National Gold Star Family Registry, you actually might.

 
5. There is a specific organization for Gold Star Wives

 
While wives are encompassed in the meaning of a Gold Star Family, the separate organization Gold Star Wives provides support and benefits to the wives and children of fallen soldiers.

 

Why Gold Star Mother’s and Family Day is Important

1. It emotionally supports the families left behind

   Making sure that their loved one is not forgotten is one of the most crucial things for Gold Star Mothers and Families. We may all contribute to easing their loss when we show our dedication to honoring their soldier.

2. It reminds us of our gratitude

   We tend to take the freedom that Americans have for granted, but this occasion serves as a reminder that freedom does not come without a cost, in this case, the ultimate cost. Today, we're going to take some time to appreciate the freedom we have each day while also keeping in mind why we have it.

3. It raises awareness of the military

   Even though Memorial Day's significance is frequently forgotten, Gold Star Mother's and Family Day serves as a gentle reminder for everyone of its significance. It also brings to light the heroic actions that members of our armed forces frequently take.