The Gold Star title is to honor the Service member’s ultimate sacrifice while acknowledging the family’s loss, grief, and continued healing.
When a loved one dies while serving in the military, it can leave families full of grief, pain, and a deep sense of loss. During this difficult time, families may feel isolated and overwhelmed. America’s Gold Star Families is an organization whose mission is to provide honor, hope, and healing to those grieving military loss through programs and services at no cost to the families of the fallen.
Learn more about America’s Gold Star Families, the history and significance of the gold star, as well as resources designed to support those dealing with the loss of a loved one.
A Brief History
The term “Gold Star Family” dates back to a flag first flown by families during World War I. The flag, displayed by the families of those serving, included a blue star for every immediate family member serving in the armed forces. If the Service member died or was killed while serving, the family placed a gold star over a blue star to honor the Service member’s ultimate sacrifice.
This tradition continued during any period of war or hostilities in which the armed forces of the U.S. were engaged. In 1942 Congress formalized the design of a service flag “to be displayed in a window of the place of residence of persons who are members of the immediate family of a person serving in the armed forces during the current war.”
An Organization is Formed
It began with a simple question – “What can I do to help?”
Patti Latch, a military mom from central Illinois whose own sons returned home safely from Iraq, felt a deep compassion for families who weren’t so lucky. Realizing there was no formal way to recognize or comfort these families, she began showing up to funerals, introducing herself, and letting them know she was there for them. She would ask the families of the fallen, “What can I do to help?”
These families all wanted the same thing – to make sure that others never forgot the sacrifice their loved ones made for our country’s freedom. As word spread, families began to build connections, share experiences, and feel less alone.
From this, America’s Gold Star Families was born. It became a national not-for-profit organization in 2014. Its mission is to honor America’s fallen heroes who served in the U.S. Armed Forces and assist their survivors through programs and services at no cost to them. The organization supports families representing all conflicts, branches of service, and circumstances of death.
America’s Gold Star Families Programs and Services
America’s Gold Star Families provides healing and support through programs and services, including:
- Sending personalized birthday cards and gift cards to children across the country who have experienced the loss of a parent during active duty service, letting them know they have not been forgotten.
- Awarding scholarships to immediate and extended family members of fallen heroes to pursue higher education at a college, university, trade, or vocational school of their choice.
- Creating unique ornaments representing fallen heroes to display on Holiday Heroes Trees of Honor at public venues in central Illinois, helping to lessen the feelings of sadness and loss during the holidays.
- Underwriting grief counseling for Illinois residents and aiding family members in getting the mental health care they deserve.
In addition, America’s Gold Star Families works with local legislators to rename highways after fallen heroes, create Gold Star highway markers, and build walls of honor in retail spaces.
Important Resources for Survivors
TRICARE – Your health care plan offers a wide range of benefits to help you manage your grief. Check out TRICARE’s mental health care services.
Casualty Assistance Program – The Department of Defense’s Casualty Assistance Program provides support for military families if their Service member is missing or deceased or suffers a serious injury or illness. Each Service branch has specially trained casualty assistance officers to provide compassionate assistance to survivors, including help with legal matters, burial expenses, benefits and entitlements, counseling support, help with public affairs, and more.
Military In Lasting Tribute – This Defense Department online memorial honors military heroes who died while serving on active duty since 1985, including peacetime deaths. It’s an online destination where survivors can view, remember, and share tributes to their loved ones.
A Survivor’s Guide to Benefits: Taking Care of Our Families – Download a copy of this guide from Military OneSource, intended to inform you about survivor benefits you may be eligible to receive.
MilLife Learning Courses – Military OneSource’s MilLife Learning courses are self-directed, user-focused courses on various topics related to military life, including a course titled “Recognizing Military Service” that explains the history of the Gold Star Service Flag. You can also find courses on grieving, the Casualty Assistance Program, and more.
For our country’s Gold Star families, your sacrifice is not forgotten. These resources are here to help you and get you the support you need.