The Shadow
COVINGTON, Va. (VR) -So many Gold Star Families remember their loved ones every day. On the last Sunday of every September, America remembers them. This day is celebrated the last Sunday of September annually to honor the mothers, fathers, spouses, and families of U.S. Service men and women who died in the line of duty. The day was first designated by Congress in 1936 and is a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by these families and the importance of remembering the fallen. When it originally began in 1936, it was Gold Star Mother’s Day. The observance was expanded in 2009 to include all family members and was named Gold Star Mother’s and Family’s Day.
During World War I, a service flag could be seen in the windows of the homes of those families who had a loved one in service. Today, public officials and citizens are encouraged to display the U.S. Flag as a sign of gratitude from America to all of you. The Gold Star Family Registry is a comprehensive searchable database of those heroes that have died in combat from World War II through present day wars.
Gold Star Families are entitled to many financial and educational and access to healthcare and housing benefits. Some of the financial and compensation benefits include:
l. Death Gratuity: A $100.000 tax-exempt lump-sum payment to eligible survivors.
2. Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC): Monthly payments for surviving spouses and dependent children.
3. Life Insurance: Claims may be paid from Servicemembers Group Life insurance (SGLI) and Familyl Servicemembers’ Group Life insurance (FSGLI).
The best overall resource for Gold Star Family benefits is Military OneSource (.mil), which provides comprehensive information on survivor benefits, financial and legal assistance, and links to various military and Department of Defense resources.
Please take time this year to recognize any Gold Star Families you know. Let them know we will never forget the sacrifices made by Americans to ensure our freedoms.
