The Shadow
The Meaning of the Star Tradition
The Blue Star represents a family member who is actively serving in the military. The Gold Star honors a family member who died during active-duty combat or service. The Green Star acknowledges families coping with the invisible wounds of service that can result in veteran suicide.
A Green Star Family is the family of a veteran who died by suicide. Unlike Blue Star and Gold Star families, Green Star families have historically lacked a dedicated, federally recognized symbol. Advocacy efforts such as H.R. 6022, the Sgt. Walter F. Hartnett IV Green Star Veterans Service Act, aim to officially establish the Green Star Service Banner.
Green Star Families’ mission is to remove the shame, blame, or negative judgment that society often attaches to a specific person, condition, or topic. One of the goals of the movement is to reduce stigma by focusing on the veteran’s courageous service and honoring their life, rather than defining them solely by how they died.
The Core Mandate
The legislation directs the Department of Veterans Affairs to officially design and designate a Green Star Service Flag. This flag would identify and honor the next of kin of veterans who died by suicide on or after September 11, 2001.
Current Progress
The bill remains referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. Advocates and grassroots organizations such as Green Star Families of America are actively organizing public outreach campaigns, urging citizens to contact their local representatives to gain co-sponsors and push the bill toward a floor vote.
Support Resources for Suicide Loss Survivors
Families and loved ones navigating military suicide loss can access specialized programs and immediate crisis support.
Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS): The national organization offers a dedicated TAPS Suicide Loss Support program. It provides peer-led support groups, specialized grief caseworkers, and resource kits tailored specifically to the grief experienced by military suicide survivors.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Immediate, confidential support is available 24/7 by calling or texting 988. Veterans and their families can press 1 to connect directly with the Veterans Crisis Line, which also provides guidance for family members coping with an active crisis or the aftermath of a military service-related loss or veteran mental health emergency.
There are many facts surrounding this issue, but the goal of this article is to inform the community and veterans’ families about Green Star Families of America, its mission, and the support it can provide to families who may need assistance during one of the most difficult times in their lives.
For more information, please contact Marian Paxton at 843-653-6098.
