Gold Star family facts for kids

Gold Star families (or Gold Star American families) are the relatives of US military members who died in battle.

History

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 authorized 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 authorized by Congress in 1973. It was awarded to the next of kin of service members who die during military service.

Modern use

The military continues to award Gold Star lapel pins to the family members or next of kin of service members who die during military service.

Famous Gold Star families

• Khizr Khan
• General John F. Kelly
• Jose Gonzalez Carranza

Images for kids

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  World War II–era service flag

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  Blue Star flag displayed in a window, June 2012