Gold Star Families

Gold Star Family: A Designation No One Aspires To

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The term "Gold Star family" refers to those who have endured the profound loss of an immediate family member who died while serving in active military duty. These fallen service members leave behind parents, siblings, spouses, children, and extended family members, all of whom are recognized as Gold Star families. This designation honors the ultimate sacrifice made by the service member while acknowledging the family's loss, grief, and ongoing healing.

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According to a 2019 article from Military Times, since September 11, 2001, over 16,000 troops have died in non-combat situations, with more than 7,000 fatalities occurring during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars alone. Additionally, countless Gold Star family members exist who lost loved ones in both World Wars, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and various other conflicts.

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Despite the absence of a large-scale conflict akin to a World War, over 1.3 million individuals currently serve in the military, meaning many families continue to grieve for recently fallen soldiers. Understanding their sacrifices and acknowledging the designated holidays to remember them are vital ways to support these families and honor the service of their loved ones. To honor all Gold Star families, we will explore the history and significance of this solemn designation.

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The History of the Gold Star Family Designation

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The term "Gold Star family" is a contemporary reference that originates from the Service Flag. These flags were first displayed by families during World War I and featured a blue star for each immediate family member serving in the armed forces of the United States during wartime. In the unfortunate event of a service member's death, the blue star is replaced with a gold star, representing the highest honor.

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For those who have lost loved ones in service, the moment they received the news is indelibly etched in their memory—forever marking the day blue turned to gold.

The gold star serves as a poignant symbol, allowing the community to recognize the sacrifice made by the family for the cause of freedom. Consequently, individual military family members who have lost loved ones have also come to be referred to as "Gold Star Wives," "Gold Star Mothers," and so forth.

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In 1936, President Franklin D. Roosevelt took further steps to honor the mothers of deceased service members by designating the last Sunday of September as National Gold Star Mother's Day. In 1995, President Barack Obama expanded this recognition to include all families, establishing "Gold Star Mother's and Family Day," which is now observed on the last Sunday in September.