Since 1936, the last Sunday in September has been designated as Gold Star Mother’s Day to recognize and honor those who have lost a child serving in the United States Armed Forces.

WHAT DOES GOLD STAR MEAN?

The term “Gold Star” describes a family member who has lost a loved one in military service.

The Gold Star first made an appearance during World War I after being placed over a service flag’s blue star when a service member was killed in combat.

The Gold Star signified the family’s pride in the loved one’s sacrifice rather than the mourning of their personal loss.

Many Gold Star families wear the Gold Star lapel pin to signify their pride.

(Behind every Gold Star Pin is a story of loss and strength. Courtesy of the Department of Defense and YouTube)

The Gold Star Pin

• This symbol consists of a gold star on a purple background, bordered in gold and surrounded by gold laurel leaves.
• It is designated for eligible survivors of service members who lose their lives during any armed hostilities in which the United States is engaged, dating back to World War I.
• This includes service members who lose their lives while deployed in support of military operations against the enemy or during an international terrorist attack.

The Next of Kin Pin

• This symbol consists of a gold star within a circle that commemorates his or her honorable service.
• The gold star is also surrounded by sprigs of oak that represent the branches of the Armed Forces.
• It is designated for eligible survivors of service members who lose their lives while serving honorably under circumstances not defined above. 
• This includes service members who lose their lives while assigned to a Reserve or National Guard unit in a drill status.

In 2009, fallen service members’ families were officially recognized and added by presidential proclamation, renaming the observance to Gold Star Mother’s and Family’s Day.

Members of the Armed Forces don’t serve alone.

Standing with each service member are parents, spouses, children and siblings providing support and love.

This year, when the president signs the proclamation observing Sept. 24 as Gold Star Mother’s and Family’s Day, the nation has the opportunity to let the families who have suffered the unimaginable pain of losing a loved one while on active duty know that America will not forget them or their hero.

(The U.S. Army recognizes the service and sacrifice of surviving military families, who wear symbols of honor – the Gold Star Pins. Courtesy of the U.S. Army and YouTube)

The Navy is committed to helping foster resiliency for families of fallen service members regardless of how they died.

The Navy Gold Star Program honors Gold Star families throughout the year by hosting events that pay tribute to their lost loved ones, providing resources and opportunities to connect with one another.

For more information on the Navy Gold Star Program, visit www.facebook.com/navygoldstar or www.navygoldstar.com or call 1-888-509-8759.

For more information on the Marine Corps Gold Star Program, visit https://www.facebook.com/Gold-Star-Legacy-1142538692446162/ or http://www.goldstarfamilies.com/ or call 1-573-449-2003.

For more information on the Army Gold Star Program, visit https://www.facebook.com/American-Gold-Star-Mothers-National-Official-108308072594520/ or https://www.army.mil/goldstar/

To learn more, please visit http://goldstarpins.org/.

(President Donald J. Trump honors fallen service members and Gold Star families in Memorial Day speech. Courtesy of America News and YouTube. Posted on Jun 15, 2017)

Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC), headquartered at the Washington Navy Yard in Washington, D.C., is responsible for worldwide U.S. Navy shore installation management.

With more than 53,000 military and civilian personnel worldwide across 11 regions, 71 installations and 123 Naval Operations Support Centers, CNIC is responsible for the operations, maintenance and quality of life programs to support the Navy’s fleet, fighter and family.

(Stars and Stripes was present during a meeting of Washington area Gold Star Mothers – women who have lost their sons to war. Hear their stories and follow their journey. Courtesy of Stars and Stripes and YouTube)

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from Commander, Navy Installations Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/cni/.

Editor’s note: Our hearts weep and our hands tremble in gratitude, respect and love for the sacrifice of your loved one. May God hold you in His care and surround you with His comfort. Your child, parent, husband, wife, brother, sister, loved one’s lives mattered. They will not be forgotten.