Military spouses pioneered the Gold Star and the support that comes with it
Military spouses played a significant role in establishing the Gold Star tradition. During World War I, families displayed flags or banners with blue stars to represent loved ones serving in the war. When a soldier died, the blue star was replaced with a gold one, informing the public of the family's loss.
This tradition led to the term Gold Star becoming associated with families of fallen soldiers. Further details about the history and significance of the Gold Star tradition are available from the source, including the establishment of Gold Star Mother's Day in 1936 and the subsequent organization of Gold Star Wives.
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