By Army Community Services
April 5 is recognized as Gold Star Spouses Day and provides an opportunity for the nation to honor the surviving husbands and wives of fallen Soldiers. Gold Star Spouses are the resilient legacies of their service member’s sacrifice to the nation.
On Monday, April 5, U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart and Army Community Service (ACS) recognizes and honors Gold Star Spouses across Europe.
The Gold Star is worn as a symbol of loss dating back to World War I. In 1947, Congress approved the design, manufacture and distribution of the official Gold Star Lapel Button, to be worn by next of kin who lost their service member in war and armed hostilities of the United States.
In 1973, the Lapel Button for Next of Kin of Deceased Personnel was introduced to symbolize active duty Soldiers who lost their lives in non-combat operations. Family members typically receive these pins from the Army before or after their Soldier’s funeral service.
The Army salutes America’s Gold Star Spouses at all times and will join the nation in observing Gold Star Spouses Day. Army leaders encourage the military community to take time on this day to remember surviving military spouses and honor the legacy of their husbands and wives who died in service to the nation.
The Army is dedicated to providing ongoing support to over 78,000 surviving Family members of fallen Soldiers. ACS Survivor Outreach Services Coordinator offers resources that include supportive counseling, financial education, benefits coordination, and support groups to surviving Family members for as long as they need or request.
Gold Star Spouses will always be a part of the Army Family. The Army recognizes their courage and sacrifice and is committed to supporting them while honoring the legacy of their fallen husbands and wives. Gold Star Spouses are not forgotten.