23 saved#4,218 of 6,224

Gold Star Mother’s and Family Day

Honoring unparalleled strength on Gold Star Mother’s and Family Day - Celebrate their resilience & take a moment to remember our fallen heroes.

Sunday

September 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

Have an update or spot an error?

YEARLY DATELast Sunday in September

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYRelationships

SUBCATEGORYFamily

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to pay tribute and show your respect on Gold Star Mother’s and Family Day, an observance that takes place on the last Sunday in September. This solemn yet important day was first officially recognized in 1936, originating from the tradition of families hanging a gold star flag in their window during World War I to indicate they had lost a child in service. Over the years, this observance has evolved into a day to honor not only the mothers but also the families of fallen soldiers. It's a day to acknowledge their resilience and to remember our brave heroes. So let's come together to show our support for these remarkable individuals on a day dedicated to their unyielding strength.

TIMELINE

Gold Star Mother’s and Family Day Timeline

Gold Star Tradition Starts

During World War I, families began hanging a Gold Star flag in their window to signify they lost a child in service.

American Gold Star Mothers Founded

American Gold Star Mothers, an organization for mothers who lost a son or daughter in service, was formed.

Gold Star Mother's Day Official Recognition

The US Congress passed a joint congressional resolution designating the last Sunday in September as Gold Star Mother's Day.

Gold Stars for Sibling Loss

The use of the Gold Star symbol was expanded to include siblings of the deceased military personnel in the family honor.

Observance Name Change

President Barack Obama amended the observance from "Gold Star Mother's Day" to "Gold Star Mother’s and Family’s Day" to recognize all family members.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Gold Star Mother’s and Family Day

Attend a ceremony

Many cities host events to honor Gold Star families. Make an effort to attend these ceremonies or vigils, your presence alone can show your solidarity and provide comfort to those grieving.

SEND

Send a letter or card

Take the time to write a heartfelt note to a Gold Star Family. Expressing your gratitude for their loved one's service and acknowledging their loss can be a source of comfort.

DONATE

Donate to a relevant cause

There are a number of nonprofit organizations dedicated to supporting Gold Star Families. Making a donation not only provides financial aid but sends a message that these families are not forgotten.

PARTICIPATE

Participate in a memorial run or walk

Often, communities will organize memorial runs or walks to honor the fallen and their families. Participating can be a poignant way to pay respect and raise awareness.

LIGHT

Light a candle

As a symbol of remembrance, light a candle in your window or home. This simple act serves as a reflection of your support and remembrance for these heroes and their families.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why Gold Star Mother’s and Family Day is Important

It promotes unity and reflection

On Gold Star Mother’s and Family Day, communities come together to honor, reflect and unite in support of these remarkable individuals. Through events like memorial runs or walks, we're able to raise awareness, show our respect, and ensure that these heroes and their families are never forgotten.

It's a day of remembrance of our heroes

Gold Star Mother’s and Family Day is a day dedicated to our fallen soldiers, who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. It's a day to honor, remember and pay tribute to the brave men and women who put their lives on the line to protect us.

It's a show of support for families

This day is not just about recognizing the sacrifices of soldiers, but also about acknowledging the resilience and strength of their families. By participating in various activities on this day, we can show our solidarity and provide comfort to the Gold Star Families who have suffered a tremendous loss.

Related holidays

MON

Apr 2026

Careers

Gold Star Spouses Day

On Gold Star Spouses Day, we honor and remember the sacrifices of military spouses who have lost their loved ones in service to our country.

Commemoration Day

Honor and remember those who have sacrificed for our country on Commemoration Day. Let's never forget their bravery and service.

National Supreme Sacrifice Day

An awareness observance on March 18 honoring those who sacrificed their lives for others, including soldiers, first responders, and civilians performing heroic acts.

57Read

FRI

Aug 2026