GOLD STAR SPOUSES DAY
Gold Star Spouses Day on April 5th honors the surviving loved ones of military service members who died while serving their country.
The day offers remembrance for the spouses and their families and a time of recognition of their sacrifices. Many communities and organizations hold events showing support for Gold Star families on this day. Through ceremonies, teas, memorial races, and luncheons, they honor and remember fallen warriors.
The loss of our service members extends beyond the battlefield and their service to their country. They leave behind grieving wives and husbands who become members of an exclusive community no one asks to join. Our support, understanding, and respect are the least we can provide in return as a nation.
HOW TO OBSERVE #GoldStarSpousesDay
- Attend a local event or volunteer with a veterans group.
- If you know a Gold Star family, stay connected.
- Attend memorials near you in honor of fallen warriors.
- Support Gold Star families by including them in memorial decisions.
- Find out more about Gold Star spouses by visiting goldstarwives.org.
- Use #GoldStarSpousesDay to share on social media.
GOLD STAR SPOUSES DAY HISTORY
World War I and Army Captain Robert L. Queissner paved the way for Gold Star families. National Gold Star Mother’s Day was designated on June 23, 1936, by a joint congressional resolution to occur on the Last Sunday in September. In 2011, President Barack Obama amended the day to “Gold Star Mother’s and Family’s Day.”
In 2010, the first Gold Star Wives Day was observed in December. Then in 2012, the U.S. Senate designated Gold Star Wives Day to be recognized each year on April 5th. The Senate later changed to be more inclusive of all spouses, and the name of the day is often used interchangeably.
The nonprofit organization Gold Star Wives, Inc. welcomes all spouses.
Gold Star FAQ
Q. Does the gold star apply to every branch of the military?
A. Yes. All branches of the military recognize gold star families and their service members.
Q. When is Gold Star Mother’s Day?
A. The last Sunday in May is National Gold Star Mother’s Day.
