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Celebrated on 09/27/2026
Gold Star Mother's and Family Day is observed on the last Sunday of September each year. The term 'Gold Star' originated during World War I when families displayed flags with a gold star to honor a loved one who died in military service.
Gold Star Mother’s and Family Day was formally established by Congress in 1936, with President Franklin D. Roosevelt designating the last Sunday in September as a day to honor the mothers and families of fallen service members. The tradition of the gold star dates back to World War I, when families would display service flags with a blue star for each living member in the military. If a service member died, the blue star was replaced with a gold star. In 1928, the American Gold Star Mothers, Inc. was founded by 25 mothers in Washington, D.C., to support each other and provide comfort to those who had lost loved ones in war.
Over the years, the observance expanded from honoring only mothers to including all family members, reflecting the broader impact of military loss. In 2012, a resolution was passed to include families, officially changing the name to 'Gold Star Mother’s and Family Day.' Today, the day is marked by ceremonies, laying of wreaths, and moments of silence at military cemeteries and memorials across the United States. The American Gold Star Mothers organization continues to provide support and advocacy for families of fallen service members, and the day serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by military families.
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