Monday Is for Mothers: Gold Star Lapel Pin

[The Price of Freedom: Americans at War; Smithsonian, National Museum of American History]

Now known collectively as Gold Star Survivors, the loss suffered by the mothers, wives and other family members of our fallen service members has been symbolized by a gold star since World War I.

"The Gold Star Lapel Pin was established by Act of Congress (Pub. L. 80-306) on August 1, 1947 to identify widows, parents and next of kin of service members killed in certain operations defined by the law. While enacted after WW II, the award authority is retroactive to WW I, and includes most subsequent conflicts."

I know Mother received one, though I don't ever remember seeing her wearing it. Her grief was private.

© 2015 Copyright, Christine Manczuk, All Rights Reserved.