Gold Star Mothers Day

United States
United States

Gold Star Mothers Day Quick Facts

Hashtags#GoldStarMothersDay, #GoldStarMothers, #GoldStarFamilies
2025 DateSeptember 28, 2025
2026 DateSeptember 27, 2026

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Gold Star Mothers Day History

Gold Star Mothers Day stands as a poignant observance where national regard is directed towards mothers who have lost a son or daughter while serving the United States Armed Forces. This day exists to commemorate and acknowledge the immeasurable pain these brave women endure, and to honor their fortitude and sacrifice.

Originating from the custom of families displaying a blue star service banner for each active member in the military, a gold star is instead used to symbolize a family member who has been killed while in service. Acknowledged by President Woodrow Wilson in 1918, the Gold Star Mothers Club was formally recognized in 1928. The institution of Gold Star Mothers Day would follow on June 23rd, 1936 through a congressional resolution, and is classified as a public observance rather than a public holiday.

As an important aspect, the American flag is traditionally hung by residents and businesses with respect to this solemn day, expressing solidarity and recognition. Although these women carry their loss every day, Gold Star Mothers Day serves as an annual, national demonstration of collective grief, stoic resilience, and undying honor for fallen heroes. Gold Star Mother's Day is observed in the United States each year on the last Sunday of September.

Gold Star Mothers Day facts

  • In 2011, President Barack Obama expanded the definition of Gold Star Families. According to his presidential proclamation, the term included mothers, fathers, siblings, children, and all loved ones of members of the Armed Forces who lost their lives in conflict or military operations.
  • Membership is open to any American woman who is a citizen or legal resident of the United States or its territories, and whose child served and died in the line of duty in the Armed Forces of the United States or its allies.
  • Originally the organization was composed only of mothers of servicemen killed in World War I, but in the years since it has expanded to include mothers of military personnel who were lost in other conflicts, such as the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and even peacetime missions.
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