History
What Is a Gold Star Family?
A Gold Star Family is a term of honor given to the immediate family members of those who have died as a result of U.S. Military Service. This includes parents, spouses, children, and siblings who carry the weight of profound personal loss, having sacrificed a loved one for the nation’s freedom and security.
The term “Gold Star” originates from the practice during World War I, when families with members serving in the armed forces would display a service flag in their window. Each blue star on the flag represented a family member in active military service. If that loved one died while serving, the blue star was replaced with a gold one, signifying the ultimate sacrifice. The gold star symbolized not only the family's loss but also the nation’s gratitude and recognition of their heroism.
These families bear a title that is both a tribute and a testament — a visible reminder of the price of freedom and the enduring impact of military service.
Maude Betterton visiting her son’s grave photo credit University Libraries, University of Washington
Gold Star Mothers of WW1 photo credit National Archive Pieces of History
Origins of the Gold Star Tradition
The tradition began formally in 1917, shortly after the U.S. entered World War I. It was first adopted by the American War Mothers, an organization of mothers with sons and daughters serving in the military. President Woodrow Wilson later endorsed the idea, stating that the gold star "signifies the honor and glory accorded the person for his supreme sacrifice in offering for his country the last full measure of devotion."
In 1947, Congress officially authorized the Gold Star Lapel Button, a gold star on a purple background surrounded by laurel leaves, which is presented to eligible family members. This emblem remains a solemn and sacred symbol of loss and national reverence.
The Growth of the
Gold Star Community
Following World War II, the number of Gold Star Families grew substantially. Organizations such as American Gold Star Mothers, Inc., founded in 1928, became pillars of support and advocacy, ensuring that families of the fallen were not forgotten. Over time, Gold Star groups have expanded their mission to include support for grieving families, public education about military sacrifice, and community service in honor of their loved ones.
With the wars in Korea, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf, and more recently in Iraq and Afghanistan, new generations of Gold Star Families have emerged — each with their own stories of grief, resilience, and patriotism. These families come from every walk of life, bound together by shared loss and unwavering love for those who served.
Honoring Gold Star Families Today
Today, Gold Star Mother’s and Family’s Day is observed each year on the last Sunday in September. Across the country, memorials, ceremonies, and community events pay tribute to these families. Federal and nonprofit organizations alike have made it their mission to recognize and support Gold Star Families, ensuring that their sacrifices are honored and remembered for generations to come.
The legacy of Gold Star Families is etched into the very fabric of American history. Through their courage, dignity, and strength, they remind us of the human cost of war and the enduring value of remembrance.