Honoring Our Country’s Gold Star Mothers and Families

The last Sunday in September has been observed as Gold Star Mother’s Day since 1936. Today, Gold Star Mother’s and Family’s Day honors the mothers and families of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the United States Armed Forces.

The Gold Star has been one of our country’s military traditions for decades. It’s a reminder of all those from all branches who have died protecting our freedoms. During World War I, flags were displayed in homes, businesses, schools and churches bearing a blue star for each military service member. Gold stars were stitched over the blue when members of the military died for their country. While mothers of fallen service members began calling themselves "Gold Star Mothers" during WWI, this bond is shared by every woman who has lost a son or daughter in uniform since our nation’s revolution.

From this simple expression of community solidarity, American Gold Star Mothers, Inc. was born. The organization was incorporated in 1929, obtaining a federal charter from the US Congress. It began with 25 mothers living in the Washington DC area and soon expanded to include affiliated groups throughout the nation. On June 23, 1936, a joint congressional resolution designated the last Sunday in September as Gold Star Mother’s Day, a holiday that has been observed each year since by presidential proclamation.

USBA salutes our country’s Gold Star Mothers and Families. Let their sacrifice, strength and courage be forever remembered.