Millions of active duty and reserve soldiers stand up for our freedom in the United States of America; when a soldier dies in their service, they leave behind more than just the legacy of this protection.
In the early 20th century, families of service members began to hang military service flags near their front windows for their loved ones in the war. Every blue star represented a living service member, and the gold stars represented those who had died. The last Sunday of September is dedicated to Gold Star Families to recognize and honor their loss.
American Gold Star Mothers, Inc. was founded in 1928; 25 mothers of fallen sons in Washington D.C. obtained a federal charter for the organization and soon began to expand across the nation. The group was started by grieving mother Grace Darling Seibold, whose son George died at the age of 23 while serving in World War I. Seibold was struck with purpose to not only give and seek comfort from fellow mothers, but also to care for hospitalized veterans who were recovering far from home. On June 23rd, 1936, Congress officially created the annual observance of Gold Star Mother’s Day.
Gold Star Mothers remains active and organizes events centering around Gold Star Mother’s Day each year. They welcome anyone who qualifies as a Gold Star Mother as a member. They’re located on a 23-acre Manor in Long Beach, California. It provides a home for members and features apartment buildings, a library, arts and crafts buildings, and more.
To learn about Gold Star Mothers, visit: https://www.goldstarmoms.com/
New Jersey celebrates the last Sunday of September as “Parents of Fallen Military Sons and Daughters Day.” This includes fathers and additional parents to children who have died in war. On September 30th, 2012, President Barack Obama issued a presidential proclamation commemorating the date as “Gold Star Mother’s and Family’s Day.”
“I call upon all Government officials to display the flag of the United States over Government buildings on this special day. I also encourage the American people to display the flag and hold appropriate ceremonies as a public expression of our Nation’s gratitude and respect for our Gold Star Mothers and Families,” he said.
Gold Star Families have suffered an incredible loss, and yet many of them go on to help and uplift others like them. Today, their flag will be flown nationwide. America acknowledges and respects the commitment they have made to this country, and values the sacrifice.
