From the NFRW Armed Services Committee

By CAPT (ret) Mary Smart, Hawaii

The United States observed Gold Star Spouses Day on April 5 in honor of the surviving loved ones who lost their military member spouse in the line of duty or as a result of service connected injuries and illnesses. This special day of recognition was established in 2010 by a U.S. Senate resolution authored by Senators Burr (R-NC) and Manchin (D-WV) to honor members of Gold Star Wives of America, Inc. 

The resolution was inspired by Dr. Vivianne Wersel, a Gold Star Wife, to raise awareness of the organization. Originally titled Gold Star Wives Day, it is often recognized as Gold Star Spouses Day to include all those who have lost their marital partner. The organization Gold Star Wives of America, Inc. works to preserve and enhance benefits to surviving military spouses and their children and honor the memory of military spouses who sacrificed their lives as a result of their military service. Military One Source website identifies many resources to assist families who are grieving the loss of their family member not only at the initial contact but also for longer term support groups. 

To honor fallen service members, Congress approved the design of the official Gold Star Lapel Button in 1947, which has a gold star on a purple background. It was created to formally recognize service members who lost their lives in combat and is usually presented to the next-of-kin during military funeral honors. 

Active duty service members serve in the prime of their lives and often leave behind a spouse and young children when they are fatally injured in military conflicts. The Gold Star recognizes their pain of loss and the ultimate sacrifice of their loved one.  Many cemeteries recognize Gold Star Families with a Memorial Monument.