Understanding and Honoring Gold Star Families

“All gave some; some gave all,” a phrase from Korean War veteran Howard William Osterkamp, has a special resonance for Gold Star Families—the immediate family members of U.S. military service members who died in the line of duty.

Each year, the last Sunday in September is set aside as Gold Star Mother’s and Family Day (September 28, 2025), a day to recognize and honor their sacrifice. Another day of national remembrance, Gold Star Spouses Day, is marked annually on April 5.

The Origin of the Gold Star

The Gold Star tradition began during World War I, when families displayed service flags with a blue star for each member serving. When a service member died, the blue star was replaced with a gold star so the community would respect their loss. This led to the creation of support organizations like American Gold Star Mothers, Inc. (1928) and the Gold Star Wives of America (1945).

Official Emblems of Remembrance

Congress has established two official emblems to honor the families of the fallen:

• The Gold Star Lapel Button (GSLB): Established in 1947 for the closest relatives of service members who died in combat-related circumstances. It features a gold star on a purple background with gold laurel leaves.
• The Next of Kin of Deceased Personnel Lapel Button (NKLB): Added in 1973 for families of service members who died on active duty or drill status in non-combat situations. It features a gold star in a gold circle with oak leaf sprigs.

The designation “Gold Star Family” includes spouses, parents, children, and siblings of a service member who died in the line of duty.

Government Support Programs For Gold Star Families

The Department of Defense provides direct, personal support through the Casualty Assistance Program. A Casualty Assistance Officer (CAO) acts as a single point of contact for the family and helps with:

• Burial and Funeral Honors: Coordinating mortuary affairs and arranging full military funeral honors.
• Benefits and Entitlements: Helping the family apply for financial support like the Death Gratuity and initiating long-term benefits.
• Travel Arrangements: Arranging government-funded travel for eligible family members to attend services.
• Personal Effects: Assisting with the inventory and return of the service member’s belongings.
• Official Reports: Helping families request and understand official documents.
• Long-Term Support: Providing a “warm handoff” to long-term case managers and advocates.

Branch-Specific Casualty Assistance Contacts

• Army: 888-ARMYHRC (276-9472)
• Marine Corps: 800-847-1597
• Navy: 800-368-3202
• Air Force & Space Force: 800-525-0102, Option 2, then Option 1
• Coast Guard: 571-266-2375

How to Honor Gold Star Families

Many organizations and communities hold commemorations to honor Gold Star Families. Here are some ways you can acknowledge their sacrifice:

• Commemorate: Visit the online memorial at Military OneSource to honor service members who have died since 1985.
• Volunteer: Join an organization that supports Gold Star Families, such as American Gold Star Mothers, Inc., Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), or Gold Star Wives of America, Inc.
• Participate: Attend local memorial services or parades in your community.
• Organize: Host workshops or fundraisers to educate the public and raise awareness.
• Donate: Contribute to charities that provide scholarships, counseling, and other resources.
• Be Kind: If you know a Gold Star Family, reach out. A phone call, a card, or a simple meal can let them know their sacrifice is not forgotten.