What Is A Gold Star Family – One of the hardest thing you might face in the military is the loss of a loved one. A family losing a family member while serving is called A Gold Star Family.
Starting in World War I, the families of US soldiers and sailors often flew flags that had a blue star for each member of the family that was serving in the military. If one of them died in battle, the blue star was changed to a gold star.
In August of 1947, the United States Congress authorised the military to present a gold star lapel pin to the family members of those killed in action. That first pin was a simple gold star on a purple background with a laurel wreath around the star. Another pin — this time a gold star with a gold background and four oak sprigs around the star — was authorised by Congress in 1973. It was awarded to the next of kin of service members who die during military service.
