Honoring the Families of Fallen Soldiers: Gold Star Mother's and Family's Day

When a soldier dies during active duty, the loss reverberates through the service member’s family and community. The death of a loved one is especially difficult for parents whose children have passed away while serving. Each year on Gold Star Mother’s and Family’s Day, the surviving relatives of these soldiers are recognized, a tradition rooted in World War I.

When is Gold Star Mother’s Day?

National Gold Star Mother’s and Family’s Day is held on the last Sunday in September, which this year will be September 27, 2026. This national observance was established in 1936, when Congress enacted it into law.

Who is a Gold Star Mother?

A Gold Star Mother or Family refers to the living relatives of a US soldier who died during active-duty service. The phrase “Gold Star” dates back to World War I, when homes and businesses would hang service flags in their windows, with a blue star for each active-duty soldier. When troops were killed in combat, a gold star would be embroidered over the blue one.

In 1917, following the United States' entry into World War I, 23-year-old George Seibold enlisted and trained as a pilot in the British Royal Flying Corps. His squadron was assigned to combat duty in France, from where he regularly sent his family letters. Grace Seibold, his mother, began to visit service members in American hospitals who had returned from combat overseas. 

One day, George’s letters suddenly stopped. Grace asked the US Army for assistance in finding her son; however, since George had been part of a British squadron, the US military had no information about his whereabouts. Grace continued to visit US veterans in hospitals, hoping that her son might return. On October 11, 1918, a box of George’s personal effects was sent to his wife, along with a note that he had passed away. 

To help process her grief and that of other women in similar positions, Grace organized the Gold Star Mothers. The group was intended to support mothers who had lost their sons during service in World War I and provide care to returning US veterans who were hospitalized. The American Gold Star Mothers organization was officially established in Washington, D.C., on June 4, 1928. The organization is still active today and invites mothers whose children have died during active service in any conflict or gone missing in action to reach out.

What is Gold Star Mother’s Day?

Gold Star Mother’s and Family’s Day is an annual observance that honors American women whose children have passed away during active service, as well as the other family members of the service member. Gold Star Mother’s Day was originally established on June 23, 1936. In September 2012, former President Barack Obama proclaimed the observance as Gold Star Mother’s and Family’s Day.

How to Honor Gold Star Mothers and Families

National Gold Star Mother’s and Family’s Day is a flag-flying observance in the US, with civilians encouraged to fly an American flag in support of these mothers and families.

The American Gold Star Mothers organization holds an annual ceremony in Washington, D.C., and local chapters and groups have smaller meetings nationwide. The non-profit accepts donations, and your local chapter may have volunteering opportunities to support veterans and military families. If you know any Gold Star Mothers or Families in your community, reach out to them and show your support.

While losing a loved one is difficult, these families are not alone. Gold Star Mothers and Families can turn to one another and their communities for solace and assistance. On this year’s Gold Star Mother’s and Family’s Day, you can honor both the lives of the service members who died while on active duty and their living parents and families.