09/13/2026
Military family recognition has a history.
The Blue Star Service Flag began during World War I to represent families with a loved one serving.
When a service member died, the Gold Star became the symbol of that loss. Over the decades, Gold Star recognition expanded through national observances, legislation, lapel buttons, survivor recognition, and changes in eligibility.
That history is worth understanding. Because many of the symbols and recognitions we know today did not all begin at the same time, and they did not all remain exactly the same.
Green Star Families of America began in 2020 to recognize families of Veterans lost to su***de.
> Not to replace Gold Star.
> Not to redefine Gold Star.
> Not to diminish any existing military family recognition.
But to recognize a group of military families whose loss has too often gone unseen.
A Veteran’s last day does not erase every day they served before it.
Their circumstances are different. Their service is not.
