Fort Riley
Topeka, Kan.- Soldiers and leaders from the 1st Infantry Division and Fort Riley joined Kansas leaders and community members at the State Capitol for the 5th Annual Gold Star Family Remembrance Ceremony hosted by the Kansas Office of Veterans Services Sept. 24.
The term “Gold Star Family” traces its roots to World War I, when families displayed service flags featuring a blue star for each immediate family member serving in the U.S. armed forces. When a service member died, the blue star was replaced with a gold star, symbolizing the family’s loss and sacrifice. The tradition has endured for more than a century as a national symbol of remembrance and recognition for families who have lost loved ones through military service.
The United States began observing Gold Star Mother's Day on the last Sunday of September 1936. Today, the nation recognizes the sacrifice that all Gold Star Family members make when a father, mother, brother, sister, son, daughter, or loved one dies in service to the Nation. Gold Star Mother’s and Family Day is the last Sunday of September and Gold Star Spouses Day is April 5th.
While many communities have their own recognitions, Kansas formally began recognizing Gold Star and Survivor Families in 2022 through the passing of Senate Bill 330 and subsequent erection of a statewide memorial on the “Veterans Walkway” of the State Capitol South Lawn.The 1st Infantry Division Band also supported the ceremony.