The Gold Star tradition began during World War I as a way for American families to honor loved ones in military service. In 1917, Army Captain Robert L. Queisser created the Blue Star Service Banner, with each blue star representing a family member serving. If a service member died, the blue star was replaced with a gold one, symbolizing sacrifice and loss.
That same year, President Woodrow Wilson formally recognized this symbol by authorizing mothers who lost sons in combat to wear gold-star armbands. Over time, grieving families united, leading to the creation of American Gold Star Mothers, Inc. in 1928, which continues to support those who have lost loved ones in service.
In 1936, Gold Star Mother’s Day was established, now honoring all Gold Star families. Today, symbols like memorials and gold star license plates serve as lasting reminders of sacrifice, resilience, and the personal cost of freedom.