A Gold Star Mother is any American woman who has lost a son or daughter in service to the United States. By Presidential Proclamation to honor these Mothers, Gold Star Mother's Day is observed in the U.S. on the last Sunday in September each year.

You can show your support for Gold Star Mothers and our fallen heroes on Gold Star Mother's Day, September 26, 2010 with the Luminary Initiative. Use the links below or in the beige box to your right to learn how.

• Gold Star Mother's Day Luminary Initiative
  MarineParents.com, Inc. began an initiative last year to encourage Americans to light a luminary on Gold Star Mother's Day to honor and acknowledge the mothers and families of our fallen heroes. This year, we are asking you to pledge your support for the luminary initiative and encourage members of your community to light luminaries on that day. Our goal is to represent at least 10 communities in each state this September 26, 2010 with Gold Star Mother's Day Luminaries.
  Click here to learn more...

• Purchase Gold Star Luminaries
  Purchase kits from the Marine Parents' EGA Store for this initiative.
  Click here to learn more...

• Make Gold Star Luminaries
  Learn how to make your own Gold Star Mother's Day Luminaries. It's very simple!
  Click here to learn more...

• Sign Pledge of Support
  Sign up on this website to pledge your support for this initiative! Our goal is 10 communities in every state! Sign up as an individual today, then add your community when you get a commitment.
  Click here to learn more...

• View List of Supporters
  View the list of supporters and community involvement for each state. Where does your state stand on supporting Gold Star Mothers?
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• Print Flyers for Distribution
  Flyers and "how-to" pamphlets to distribute and help you encourage community involvement.
  Click here to learn more...

History of Gold Star Mothers
Shortly after World War I the Gold Star Mothers Club was formed in the United States to provide support for mothers that lost sons or daughters in the war. The name came from the custom of families of servicemen hanging a banner called a Service Flag in the window of their homes. The Service Flag had a star for each family member in the military. Living servicemen were represented by a blue star, and those who had lost their lives were represented by a gold star.