The Gold Star originated from World War I. In World War I, there was a practice that families that had a loved one fighting in the war would feature a blue star on a flag, or as many blue stars as they had family members fighting in the war. At some point in time, the tradition changed where if that soldier died, the blue star would change into a gold one.
In 1918, President Woodrow Wilson approved wearing a black armband with a gold star to become a sign of mourning.
Additionally, two types of service flags were created. Both had white backgrounds but one had a red border and blue star, while the other had a blue or red border and gold star.
In 1947, Congress had the military issue gold star lapel pins to families of those that had been killed in combat, and another in 1973, for the families that had soldiers die while on active duty but not particularly in combat.
On the reverse of the pin is the inscription "United States of American Act of Congress, 1947," with a space for the engraved initials of the recipient.
However, today the meaning of the blue and gold stars are lost on many and there is a problem of not many appreciating the value of the stars. The purpose fo the stars is so that people can pay respect, gratitude, and the very best support they can provide to the families of the service members that paid the ultimate sacrifice.
1 comment:
It's great to see people recognized for their efforts, but incredibly sad to know how many young lives were lost to the violence of war.
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