In the aftermath of World War I, the Women’s Committee of the Council of National Defense proposed that mothers who had lost their children in military service wear a black armband with a gold star. The idea was to mark the transition from blue, representing service, to gold, symbolizing a life lost in the line of duty. This proposal was approved by President Woodrow Wilson on May 28, and thus the Gold Star was born.

In 1928, a group of 25 mothers who had lost sons in the war traveled to Washington, D.C., and officially established the organization known as American Gold Star Mothers, Inc. These women, along with other families, began incorporating gold stars into the service banners to signify the sacrifices their loved ones made.

To honor these families, particularly the mothers, Congress declared the last Sunday in September as Gold Star Mother’s Day in 1936. This day stands as a reminder of the price families pay in service to the country, with Gold Star Mothers representing resilience and patriotism.

Today, the Gold Star not only exists on banners but also appears on license plates across the country. Each state has its own guidelines for who can apply for a Gold Star designation. While some states extend the honor to parents, siblings, and spouses, others also allow grandchildren to carry on the legacy.

This tradition ensures that the sacrifices of military families are never forgotten, and the Gold Star remains a symbol of their enduring strength and commitment to the nation.