Gold Star Mother’s and Family’s Day

Gold Star Mother’s and Family’s Day

Be intentional and make a difference by making plans with some of these ideas:

Honor a Gold Star Mother or Family

If you know a person who has lost a family member while serving in the military to protect their country, perhaps it would be a good time to write them a card, send them some flowers or do something else that they might find encouraging.

Show them you care and let them know they are not alone!

Listen to Stories

One good way that might be helpful for people to feel less alone could be to spend time listening.

Ask a Gold Star Mother or family member to share some of their favorite memories and stories about their loved one who died.

Remember to engage with active listening skills and show compassion and empathy, while honoring the memory of the person they loved.

Attend a Memorial Event

Some communities or Gold Star groups are known to hold memorial events where people can come and pay their respects to the family members of fallen military members.

This is a good way to show respect, care and appreciation. Of course this can’t mitigate the grief and loss, but it allows for them to feel seen and cared for by their community.

Make a Donation

Many people like to celebrate by making a charitable donation to the Gold Star Mother’s and Family’s organization or some other non-profit that supports families of fallen soldiers or other similar causes.

This is a great way to bring hope and help to someone who is suffering by meeting practical needs.

History of Gold Star Mother’s and Family’s Day

This fascinating event dates all the way back to a century ago.

Although the event was officially launched in 1936, its history goes back even further than that. It all began with a simple accessory: a black armband with a gilt star.

In the years during World War I, these armbands were worn by families and loved ones of soldiers who served and died fighting for their country.

Later, the stars were adopted on banners that were hung on windows and doors in public and private spaces.

One of the mothers who had a star hanging from her window was Grace Darling Seibold.

A woman who had lost her son in the war, Grace reached out to other mothers who were also dealing with similar pain. Together, they founded the American Gold Star Mothers group, which is still in existence today.

In 1936, in honor of the work done by these mothers, the United States Congress designated the first Gold Star Mother’s and Family’s Day.