Gold Star families: Honoring sacrifice and strength in our health care community
In honor of Gold Star Mother’s and Family Day on Sunday, Sept. 28, Penn State Health recognizes the courage and sacrifices of Gold Star families: spouses, parents, children and siblings who have lost a loved one in military service.
Penn State Health employees can honor and support Gold Star families by offering compassionate care, recognizing their experiences and connecting them with resources.
How Penn State Health can support Gold Star families
The resilience of Gold Star families is a testament to the strength of the human spirit. Yet, many face emotional, financial and logistical challenges long after their loved one’s death. Penn State Health employees are well positioned to help. Experts recommend:
- Recognize and acknowledge: If a patient or family member is part of a Gold Star family, sincerely acknowledge their loss and service.
- Provide trauma-informed care: Understand that grief may be complex and long-lasting. Offer mental health referrals. Listen with compassion.
- Honor remembrance days: Participate in or promote observances within departments and clinics.
- Educate staff: Encourage training on military family dynamics and the unique needs of bereaved families.
- Connect to resources: Help families access veteran-related benefits and community support programs.
Support and resources
Gold Star families can access a range of support services, including grief counseling, scholarships, survivor benefits and peer support networks. Organizations such as America’s Gold Star Families and the departments of Veterans Affairs and War offer assistance.
Origins and meaning
The term “Gold Star family” dates to World War I, when families displayed flags with blue stars for each member serving in the armed forces. If a service member died in combat, the blue star was replaced with a gold star to symbolize the family’s loss and sacrifice. President Woodrow Wilson recognized the tradition in 1918. It remains an emblem of national gratitude.
Recognition, symbols and remembrance days
To honor these families, the U.S. government and military offer several forms of recognition:
- The Gold Star Lapel Button, awarded to families of those who died in combat.
- The Next of Kin Lapel Button, given to families of those who died in non-combat situations.
- Observances such as Gold Star Mother’s and Family’s Day (last Sunday in September) and Gold Star Spouses Day (April 5) serve as national reminders of their sacrifices.
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