National Vietnam War Veterans Day (Copy)
Author: Julianna Cooper, Challenge America Program Coordinator
Today is a sobering day of recognition - Gold Star Spouses Day.
According to the U.S. Army 's official website, the Gold Star is a tradition that began during World War I. During this time, service flags were flown by military families, with blue stars for each family member serving in uniform.
“If that loved one died, the blue star was replaced by a gold star. This allowed members of the community to know the price that the family had paid in the cause of freedom.” Later, this commemoration evolved to include the wearing of a Gold Star lapel button, which was awarded by the military to surviving family members.
In 1947, Congress approved the design of the official Gold Star Lapel Button, using this as a way to formally recognize service members who paid the ultimate sacrifice and lost their lives in combat. The official Gold Star pin displays a gold star on a purple background.
In 2010, Congress designated April 5th as Gold Star Spouses Day to honor, recognize, and support the spouses of fallen service members. The loss of a spouse in the line of duty, as shared on the Marine Corps website, brings forth “incomprehensible grief and life altering changes for a Gold Star Spouse. Their journey is marked by perseverance, strength, and the need to navigate a new reality while continuing to preserve the memory of their loved ones.”
This day serves as a reminder that this nation stands with Gold Star Spouses by offering support, gratitude, and remembrance. Our team at Challenge America stands with Gold Star Spouses today and every day - and we want to acknowledge and honor the memory of these fallen service members by lifting up and acknowledging the immense strength and unbelievable courage shown by their surviving spouses.
We’d like to highlight a few resources for Gold Star Spouses and their families below.
Gold Star Survivor Resources
Navy Long Term Assistance Program (901) 874-0083
Army Family Programs Directorate (210) 466-1173
Air Force Airman and Family Care Division (703) 697-2392
Coast Guard Casualty Matters Office (703) 872-6647
Marine Corps Gold Star & Surviving Family Member Representatives (703) 784-9580
Tragedy Assistance Program For Survivors (TAPS) Hotline 800-959-TAPS (8277)
Department of Defense Casualty and Mortuary Affairs & Military Funeral Honors 571-372-5319
The Sugar Bear Foundation (760) 622-9008
