Navy aims to raise awareness for Gold Star families
The month of May is synonymous with Memorial Day, the unofficial kick off to summer, barbecues and a long holiday weekend; however, Memorial Day was created as a day of remembrance to honor those who have paid the ultimate price to ensure our freedom.
The Navy Gold Star Program has dedicated the month of May as Gold Star Awareness Month. We hope to help raise public awareness for Gold Star families, regardless of their branch affiliation.
Unfortunately, many community members and some military members still are not familiar with the term “Gold Star family.”
With Gold Star Awareness month, the Navy hopes to educate communities on what it means to be a Gold Star family as well as honor these individuals by hosting events that pay tribute to the fallen and provide surviving family members with opportunities to connect with one another.
The gold star is a symbol of loss dating back to the first World War. During World War I and continuing through today, families that had a family member in the armed forces traditionally displayed a blue service star flag in their homes to signify a deployed family member.
The Gold Star recognition first appeared on flags in 1918, when families would pin a gold star over the blue service star hanging in their window to indicate that their loved one had been killed overseas while serving in the U.S. military.
In 1947, Congress approved the design, manufacture and distribution of the official Gold Star lapel button.
The Gold Star lapel pin consists of a gold star on a purple background, bordered in gold and surrounded by gold laurel leaves. It is designated for eligible Survivors of service members who lose their lives while fighting in a hostile conflict.
As we head toward Memorial Day, please take a moment to recognize the sacrifices that Gold Star family members make when a father, mother, brother, sister, son, daughter or other loved one dies in service to our nation.
Help us let Gold Star families know that they and their fallen heroes will never be forgotten.
Remember, behind every Gold Star pin there are stories of fallen service members and strong survivors.
For more information on the Navy Gold Star Program, please visit www.facebook.com/navygoldstar, www.navygoldstar.comor call1-888-509-8759.