National Gold Star Mother’s Day
National Gold Star Mother’s Day is a solemn occasion dedicated to honoring and recognizing the mothers who have lost a son or daughter while serving in the United States Armed Forces. It is a day of remembrance, gratitude, and support for these courageous women and their families.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: Observed on the last Sunday of September each year.
- Tagged as: Remembrance, Honor, Military Families.
- What’s the hashtag?: #GoldStarMothersDay, #GoldStarFamilies.
- When was it founded?: June 23, 1936.
- Who founded it?: Established by a joint congressional resolution and later championed by organizations like the American Gold Star Mothers, Inc.
History of National Gold Star Mother’s Day
The tradition of the Gold Star dates back to World War I when families displayed service flags with blue stars representing loved ones serving in the military. If a service member died in combat, the blue star was replaced with a gold one, symbolizing their ultimate sacrifice. This practice inspired the creation of Gold Star Mother’s Day to honor grieving mothers. Grace Darling Seibold, who lost her son during World War I, founded the American Gold Star Mothers organization in 1928 to support these mothers and preserve their children’s legacies.
In 1936, Congress officially designated the last Sunday in September as Gold Star Mother’s Day. In 2011, President Obama expanded its scope to include families, renaming it Gold Star Mother’s and Family Day.
Timeline
- 1917: The term “Gold Star” emerges during World War I as a symbol of loss and sacrifice.
- 1928: Grace Darling Seibold founds American Gold Star Mothers, Inc.
- 1936: Congress designates the last Sunday in September as Gold Star Mother’s Day.
- 1947: The Gold Star Lapel Pin is introduced for surviving family members.
- 2011: President Obama renames it Gold Star Mother’s and Family Day to include all family members.
Dates by Next Year
| Year | Month and Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | September 29 | Sunday |
| 2025 | September 28 | Sunday |
| 2026 | September 27 | Sunday |
| 2027 | September 26 | Sunday |
| 2028 | September 24 | Sunday |
| 2029 | September 30 | Sunday |
Observed
National Gold Star Mother’s Day is observed through ceremonies, memorial services, and acts of remembrance. Communities often organize events to honor these mothers and families. Flags are flown on government buildings, and individuals wear Gold Star pins or lapel ribbons as symbols of respect.
Fun Facts About National Gold Star Mother’s Day
- The first official observance was proclaimed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1936.
- The American Gold Star Mothers organization continues to provide support and advocacy for military families.
- The Gold Star Lapel Pin features a gold star on a purple background surrounded by laurel leaves.
Quiz
- What does the gold star symbolize?
- Who founded the American Gold Star Mothers organization?
- When is National Gold Star Mother’s Day observed?
Answers:
- The loss of a loved one in military service.
- Grace Darling Seibold.
- The last Sunday in September.
FAQs
Q: Is National Gold Star Mother’s Day a federal holiday?
A: While not a federal holiday, it is officially recognized by Congress and observed annually.
Q: Can other family members participate in this day?
A: Yes, since 2011, it has been expanded to include all immediate family members under “Gold Star Mother’s and Family Day.”
Related
- Memorial Day
- Veterans Day
- Armed Forces Day
- Blue Star Families
- Wreaths Across America
