Gold Star Families Remembrance Week: September 21–27, 2026
Gold Star Families Remembrance Week is a time to honor the families of fallen service members, remember their loved ones, and ensure Gold Star and surviving families continue to feel recognized and supported.
From September 21–27, 2026, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst will observe Gold Star Families Remembrance Week with a series of events centered on remembrance, support, and community.
Luminary Initiative Candlelight Vigil
Monday, September 21 | 7:00–8:00 PM
Military & Family Readiness Center
3435 Broidy Road, JB MDL, NJ 08641
The week begins with an evening of remembrance honoring Gold Star and surviving family members whose loved ones made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. The vigil also recognizes the enduring strength of their families.
RSVP by September 14, 2026 at agnieszka.laczynski@us.af.mil.
Notes for Families of the Fallen
Tuesday, September 22 | 11:30 AM–1:00 PM
JB MDL Main Exchange
3452 Broidy Road, JB MDL, NJ 08641
AFFF, SOS, and NGSP will host an outreach table for Families of the Fallen as part of the week’s support and community programming.
NJ Run for the Fallen Opening Ceremony
Wednesday, September 23 | 4:45–7:00 PM
Naval Air Station Aviation Museum
500 Forrestal Road, Rio Grande, NJ 08242
The NJ Run for the Fallen Opening Ceremony is one of the week’s featured remembrance events and is open to New Jersey Gold Star and surviving family members only.
Additional information is available at njrftf.org.
The Journey Through Grief and Loss
Thursday, September 24 | 12:00–12:45 PM
Military & Family Readiness Center
3435 Broidy Road, JB MDL, NJ 08641
This Lunch-and-Learn focuses on the journey through grief and loss and is part of the week’s broader effort to provide support and connection for military and surviving families.
Register at (609) 754-3154.
Notes for Families of the Fallen
Friday, September 25 | 11:30 AM–1:00 PM
Halvorsen Hall Dining Facility
38 W. Tuskegee Airmen Avenue, JB MDL, NJ 08641
This outreach table will provide another opportunity for Families of the Fallen to connect with AFFF, SOS, and NGSP during the week.
Gold Star Mother’s and Family’s Day Brunch
Sunday, September 27 | 11:00 AM–1:00 PM
Fort Hamilton Community Club
Sterling Drive, Building 207
Brooklyn, NY 11252
The week concludes with a Gold Star Mother’s and Family’s Day Brunch for eligible Gold Star and surviving family members.
RSVP by September 11, 2026 at (609) 754-2621 or agnieszka.laczynski@us.af.mil.
At Gold Star Services Network, we believe remembrance should include not only honoring our fallen service members, but also recognizing and supporting the families whose lives were forever changed by their loss. Gold Star Families Remembrance Week provides meaningful opportunities to do both.
For additional information, contact the JB MDL Military & Family Readiness Center at (609) 754-3154. The center provides programs, resources, referrals, workshops, and support services for military members and their families.