Gold Star Mother's & Family's Day

During World War 1, Army Captain Robert L. Queissner, whose two sons were serving on the front lines, created what is now called the Service Flag. The flag, with a blue star, was displayed to represent a family member serving in the military during times of war or hostilities. In 1918, President Wilson approved a request from the Women's Committee of the Council of National Defenses that mothers who had lost a child serving in the war wear a gold star on the traditional black mourning arm band. This gold star recognition led to the tradition of replacing the blue star on the Service Flag with a gold one to indicate that a family member had died in the line of duty.

In 1929, 25 mothers who had lost children in WWI, formed The American Gold Star Mothers, Inc. and on June 23, 1936, a joint congressional resolution designated the last Sunday in September as Gold Star Mother’s Day. Every year since, the President has issued a proclamation honoring Gold Star Mothers. In 2011, President Barack Obama amended the day to “Gold Star Mother’s and Family’s Day" to recognize the sacrifices of all family members who lose a loved one in the line of duty.

Our deepest sympathy and utmost respect go to those mothers and families who have lost a loved one.

📸: Navy Gold Star Program

https://www.navygoldstar.com