Celebrate Gold Star Mother's Day Sept. 25

Many people outside of the military aren't familiar with Gold Star Mothers. Members of the American Gold Star Mothers organization are mothers who have lost a son or daughter who was serving in the Armed Forces. The organization began in 1928 for mothers who lost sons during WWI, and membership has grown over the years to include all mothers regardless of their children's service period.  

History Of Gold Star Mothers

The American Gold Star Mothers organization was started from the efforts of Grace Darling Seibold. Her son George Vaughn Siebold volunteered for WWI and requested an assignment in aviation. To do so, learned to fly British planes since the U.S. did not have a formal Air Force at the time. He was deployed to England and flew with the British Royal Flying Air Corps.

During this time George wrote letters regularly and Grace volunteered at hospitals by visiting returning servicemen. When George's correspondence stopped, his mother knew something was wrong. Because he was serving with the British forces, however, it was difficult to receive any information on his whereabouts. Months after his letters stopped, George's wife received his effects in the mail and the family was notified that he was missing and presumed to have been killed in action.

Grace's grief during this time inspired her to find other mothers who were going through the same pain as her. She initially reached out to other mothers at the hospitals she visited, and together they formed a group. This group worked to give comfort to one another, as well as to care for veterans who were staying in hospitals far from home. Over the years, the mothers worked to formally establish their group. In 1928, the American Gold Star Mothers organization was officially formed.

The association was named after the service flag families traditionally hung in their windows. Service flags are composed of a red border with a field of white in the middle, upon which a star is placed for each family member serving in the military. Blue stars indicate living members, while gold stars are placed for those who have lost their lives serving the country.

Gold Star Mother's Day

Each year, Gold Star Mother's Day is celebrated the last Sunday of September. This year, Gold Star Mother's Day is Sept. 25. Although it's not a public holiday like Mother's Day, the President calls on Americans to display the flag and express appreciation and respect towards mothers of fallen soldiers. This year, the Gold Star Mothers organization will hold a wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, followed by a commemoration service and reception. Other events may be held around the country through local chapters of the Gold Star Mothers organization.

Help Veterans By Donating Your Car

Gold Star Mother's Day is an important time to remember the families who have lost loved ones in war. If you would like to give back to veterans in your community today, consider donating a car to Vehicles For Veterans. Your car donation benefits programs that help both veterans and their families. Donate your car today by calling 1-855-811-4838 or filling out an online car donation form.