Gold Star Spouses Day

This specific tradition of honoring those who lost a loved one in service with a Gold Star began in the early part of the 20th century as Gold Star Mother’s Day, observed on the last Sunday of September beginning in 1936. An organization known as Gold Star Wives began operating before the end of the Second World War, and the Gold Star lapel button tradition was established in the summer of 1947.

This set the stage for Gold Star Spouses Day, which began as Gold Star Wives Day-the first of which occurred in December 2010. Two years later a Senate resolution confirmed Gold Star Wives Day and changed the observance to April 5 each year. Later guidance changed the recognition to be more inclusive and recognize all spouses.

Today Naval Services FamilyLine and our Nation recognize the Love and Loss of our Gold Star Spouses.