Gold Star Mother’s and Family Day recognizes the immense sacrifice of families who have lost a loved one serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, observed on the last Sunday of September. This solemn day provides an opportunity to offer support, gratitude, and remembrance to those who carry the Gold Star legacy. Take time to learn their stories, contribute to support organizations, or simply express your heartfelt thanks.
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Expected Gold Star Mother’s and Family Day Deals
On Gold Star Mother’s and Family Day, the focus shifts from commercial deals to profound appreciation and support for military families. Organizations like American Gold Star Mothers, Inc. and Gold Star Wives of America lead efforts to provide comfort and resources. Many businesses, such as Starbucks and USAA, maintain year-round programs offering discounts or special services to military families, which often see increased awareness around this day. Support can also be directed to foundations like Fisher House Foundation and TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors), which offer critical assistance to those grieving. We encourage direct engagement with these organizations to honor Gold Star Families.
Platform Guide for Gold Star Mother’s and Family Day
Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #GoldStarFamilies. Share stories of resilience and support for military families.
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Mention @NatlToday and use #GoldStarMotherAndFamilyDay. Highlight organizations providing aid to Gold Star families.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #GoldStarFamilies. Share personal tributes and community events honoring fallen heroes.
Gold Star Mother’s and Family Day Hero
Grace Darling Seibold
History of Gold Star Mother’s and Family Day
Though the exact roots of the tradition aren’t totally known, it was during World War 1 that the gold star came to symbolize that a family member had fallen in battle. Around that time, the term “Gold Star Family” came to mean that you were a surviving family of a person who died in service and families hung banners with a gold star outside their homes. The tradition has since been authorized and seeks to ease the grief of mothers and families while reminding that no one truly serves alone.
Gradually, there came to be many ways for grieving family members to honor their loved ones with symbols worn or places outside the home. In 1918, President Wilson allowed grieving military mothers to wear a traditional black armband featuring a gold star. Soon after, it was approved for families to cover the blue star on the service flag outside of their home with a gold one. As of 1947, Gold Star family members can also display the Gold Star Lapel.
The American Gold Star Mothers Inc. first got its start in 1917, when Grace Siebold’s son was killed during World War 1. Wanting to create a support system for grieving mothers in similar circumstances, Grace gathered what would become the American Gold Star Mothers to grieve together and tend to hospitalized veterans in local hospitals. The organization was formalized as a non-profit in 1928, with a mission of remembrance, education, and patriotism. Still today, they support Gold Star mothers in their grief, hold an annual conference, and organize events with supporting groups.
Though Gold Star Mother’s and Family Day isn’t observed as a National, federal holiday like Memorial Day, it was declared by Congress in 1936 to be the last Sunday in September – though, at the time, it was only known as “Gold Star Mother’s Day.” It was in 2011 that President Obama amended the declaration, declaring the day to include families as well as mothers. Today, the holiday includes any immediate family member and authorizes that person to display the Gold Star Service Flag.
Today, America is not embroiled in any kind of conflict like World War 1 or 2, and far fewer individuals consider Gold Star heroes and their families – oftentimes, people may think that they don’t know anyone in a Gold Star Family. However, there are many more Gold Star families from previous wars than you may think, and since over 1.3 million people are involved in the military today, it’s possible you know a family that still grieves a recent fallen soldier. Understanding the sacrifice and acknowledging the holiday are the best ways to support the families and honor the soldiers.
Gold Star Mother’s and Family Day timeline
President Wilson authorized mothers who had lost a child in the war to wear a traditional black mourning armband featuring a gold star.
Started in Washington, DC, The American Gold Star Mothers Inc. quickly spread across the country. In 1929, the organization obtained a federal charter to support mothers who were often separated from their ailing or dead children.
Since this date, Gold Star Mother’s Day has always fallen on the last Sunday of September.
The Gold Star Service Lapel, in addition to the Gold Star Service Flag, is authorized to be displayed by surviving family members.
President Obama amended “Gold Star Mother’s Day” to include families as “Gold Star Mother’s and Family Day” on September 23, 2011.
How Businesses Can Celebrate Gold Star Mother’s and Family Day
Local businesses can honor Gold Star Mother’s and Family Day by creating respectful awareness campaigns that highlight the meaning of the Gold Star. Consider partnering with a local veterans’ organization or Gold Star Family support group to host a small, dignified event or a donation drive. Restaurants might offer a special meal or discount to Gold Star Families, ensuring the gesture is one of genuine appreciation rather than commercialization. Displaying a Gold Star flag or a simple message of remembrance can also convey support.
Gold Star Mother’s and Family Day FAQs
When is Gold Star Mother’s and Family Day?
Gold Star Mother’s and Family Day 2026 falls on Sunday, September 27. This solemn observance honors the parents and families who have lost a loved one serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.
How many Gold Star Families are there?
While exact numbers fluctuate, estimates suggest tens of thousands of Gold Star Families exist across the United States. These families carry the enduring legacy of service and sacrifice.
What does a Gold Star flag symbolize?
A Gold Star flag, often displayed by families, symbolizes that a loved one has died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. Each gold star on the flag represents a life lost in honorable service.
Is Gold Star Mother’s and Family Day a federal holiday?
While not a federal holiday that grants a day off, Gold Star Mother’s and Family Day is officially recognized by presidential proclamation each year. It’s a day for national observance and remembrance.
How to Observe Gold Star Mother’s and Family Day
Read about the heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice
Endless family testimonials, articles, and other media can be found to learn more about the lives of our brave servicemembers. This Gold Star Mothers and Family Day, learn more about their bravery and honor their memory.
Donate to an organization that supports Gold Star Mothers and Families
Many organizations are dedicated to supporting Gold Star Mothers and Families emotionally and with other benefits. Specifically for mothers, you can donate to the American Gold Star Mothers Inc. Other organizations to consider are Snowball Express and fallenpatriots.org, but do your own research and determine where your money is best donated.
Visit a Gold Star soldier’s grave
Gold Star soldiers must not be forgotten, and a great way to remind ourselves of their sacrifice is to visit their grave. You might consider laying some flowers or a flag at their resting place.
5 Important Facts About Gold Star Mother’s And Family Day
The American Gold Star Mothers are headquartered in California
Called “The Gold Star Manor,” a home on a 23-acre piece of land in Long Beach, CA serves as the headquarters for the American Gold Star Mothers.
There is a National Gold Star Families Registry
This program honors fallen soldiers by keeping a registry of their deaths, so as to properly recognize them publicly.
Gold Star Mothers raise money for Wreaths Across America
During the holidays, the American Gold Star Mothers partner with Wreaths Across America, helping them raise money to put wreaths on the graves of gold star soldiers.
There are over 470,000 Gold Star Families
While you may not think you know a Gold Star Family, with approximately 472,050 Gold Star Families reported by the National Gold Star Family Registry, you actually might.
There is a specific organization for Gold Star Wives
While wives are encompassed in the meaning of a Gold Star Family, the separate organization Gold Star Wives provides support and benefits to the wives and children of fallen soldiers.
Why Gold Star Mother’s and Family Day is Important
It emotionally supports the families left behind
One of the most important things to Gold Star Mothers and Families is ensuring their loved one is not forgotten. When we display our commitment to remembering their soldier, we can all help ease the burden of their grief.
It reminds us of our gratitude
We can often take the freedom we enjoy in the United States for granted but this holiday reminds us that freedom is not without a price; in this case, the ultimate price. We’re going to spend some time today appreciating the freedom we enjoy every day while being mindful of why we have it.
It raises awareness of the military
Though oftentimes the meaning of Memorial Day is overlooked, Gold Star Mother’s and Family Day reminds us all of the purpose of the holiday. It also raises awareness of the heroism that our military members display regularly.
Gold Star Mother’s and Family Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | September 28 | Sunday |
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