In 1936, Congress designated the last Sunday in September as Gold Star Mother’s Day. The observance continues today but includes the entire family, now officially designated as Gold Star Mother’s and Family’s Day by proclamation of President Barack Obama in 2011 to honor parents and families of service members who gave the ultimate sacrifice of their lives in defense of their country. The 2023 observance is this Sunday, September 24. 

Gold Star mothers, fathers, and siblings suffer a loss unimaginable for those who will never experience it. After World War II, recognizing the tremendous losses felt by literally hundreds of thousands of mothers, Congress designated the Gold Star Lapel Pin featuring a gold star with a purple background surrounded by laurel leaves. Under strict Department of Defense guidelines, the U.S. military must present the lapel pin to the immediate family member of the deceased.

For additional details surrounding the history of the designated day, the Gold Star and lapel pin, the National Gold Star Family Registry, and the congressionally chartered American Gold Star Mothers, Inc., click here.