Quotes from Parents: "This group of people are amazing. I always let God carry me but when I need an actual 'talk back to me' person they have always been here. Reading and knowing what everyone else is going through helps me daily." Sherri, Gold Star Mom from Colorado Private Message Boards: The message board forum, called "For Families of our Fallen Heroes" is accessable with membership only and is located here: usmcparents.com/forum/default.asp?group=29 Because it is a private forum, you will need to be given access to the forum. Once you've been granted access, you will need to be logged in with your user name and password to see and use the forum. Request Support: If you are a Gold Star family member and would like access to the private forum or information on other support services, please use the "Request Support" link to the left in the navigation bar. TAPS Press Releases: Dealing With Grief Over the Holidays: Practical Tips to Help Click here for Press Release Supporting Children Dealing With Grief During the Holidays: Tips to Help Click here for Press Release If you are a Gold Star family member and would like access to the private forum or information on other support services, please use the "Request Support" link to the left in the navigation bar.

"Gold Star" is a generic term used to describe a family member who has lost a loved one in military service. There are many organizations using the term "Gold Star". MarineParents.com, Inc. offers services to Gold Star Marine Corps Families. We offer grieving parents, spouses, and family members a Place to Connect & Share™ with one another.

We have Gold Star family members who have lost their Marine either during combat or due to accident or illness during active duty or reserve service in the Marine Corps. Our Gold Star families come from around the country and embrace each other with compassion and understanding knowing that each others' emotions will include denial, disbelief, confusion, shock, sadness, yearning, anger, humiliation, despair and guilt. By sharing with each other, the journey you begin after the death of your beloved Marine is somehow just a little easier when you're walking with friends who understand exactly how you feel today, how you felt yesterday, and what you may feel like tomorrow.

At this time, we have three services to offer to our Gold Star Marine Corps Families. All three are private venues for connecting and sharing with one another. Three Gold Star Parents, Dick, Christine and Brenda, are the organizers for these services.

• Gold Star Marine Corps Families Message Board Forum
  The message board forum, called "For Families of our Fallen Heroes" is accessable with membership only and is located here:
  http://www.usmcparents.com/forum/default.asp?group=29

• Gold Star Marine Corps Families Chat Room
  The chat room for Gold Star families is open for two hours each week, on Tuesday evening as follows:

  • Tuesday Evenings:
    Eastern Time: 9:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
    Central Time: 8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
    Mountain Time: 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
    Pacific Time: 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

  The chat room is located here:
  http://www.marineparents.com/usmc/chat2.asp

• Gold Star Marine Corps Families Gathering
  Our Gold Star family members generally meet each year at the end of July, early August. There is no cost to register for the event, however each family is responsible for their own arrangements, travel and meals. If you would like additional information about the gathering, let us know.