Gold Star Mothers of Virginia

10/13/2026

That r***e volley at military funerals? It's not actually a 21-gun salute, even though it's often called one.

Here's where the real 21-gun salute comes from, who receives it and what it means.

Ever served on a funeral detail or a salute battery? Tell us about it.

Read more in the comments. ⬇️

10/13/2026

What is a Gold Star and know the difference:
The symbol dates back to World War I. Families of deployed service members would hang a Service Flag displaying a Blue Star in their windows for each loved one serving. If a service member lost their life during their service, the blue star was covered with a Gold Star, letting the community know that the service member had made the ultimate sacrifice.

Today, a Gold Star Family or Gold Star Mother/Spouse refers to the surviving family members of a fallen U.S. military member, honoring both the service member's ultimate sacrifice and the enduring story carried by the family left behind.

The primary difference between the two pins pictured comes down to the circumstances under which the service member passed away.

1. Gold Star Lapel Button (Labeled "KIA")

Appearance: Features a gold star on a purple circular background, encircled by a gold wreath of laurel leaves.

Meaning: Formally established by Congress in 1947, this pin is presented to immediate family members of a service member who lost their life in combat operations, armed conflicts, international terrorist attacks, or military operations against an opposing force.

2. Next of Kin Lapel Button (Labeled "None KIA")

Appearance: Features a solid all-gold design consisting of a gold star inside a circle, framed by oak sprigs.

Meaning: Approved in 1977, this pin is presented to family members of a service member who died while serving on active duty outside of a designated combat zone (e.g., during military training exercises, service-related illness, or non-combat accidents and su***de).

10/13/2026

⚓🇺🇸 Happy 251st Birthday, United States Navy! 🇺🇸⚓

On October 13, 1775, the United States Navy began a proud legacy of courage, honor, and service to our nation.

For 251 years, generations of Sailors have answered the call to defend our freedoms, protect our seas, and serve with unwavering dedication.

American Gold Star Mothers, Inc. proudly honors all who have worn the Navy uniform, those serving today, our Veterans, and those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.

To our Navy Gold Star Families, your loved ones' service, sacrifice, and legacy will never be forgotten. Their courage lives on in the hearts of a grateful nation.

Happy Birthday, U.S. Navy! Fair Winds and Following Seas! ⚓💙

⚓🇺🇸 Happy 251st Birthday, U.S. Navy! 🎂

For 251 years, our Navy has stood the watch, defended our freedom, and answered our nation’s call.

Today, Naval Station Norfolk proudly celebrates the generations of Sailors, past and present, whose courage, sacrifice, and dedication continue to make our Navy the world’s finest.

251 years of honor, courage, and commitment. Here’s to many more! ⚓💙

Happy Birthday, Navy! 🇺🇸

09/26/2026

MISSION BBQ is hosting its second annual Gold Star Family Open House Luncheon tomorrow, Sunday, September 27, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM (with doors opening at 9:30 AM) at participating locations.

Event DetailsDate: Sunday, September 27, 2026Time: 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM (Doors open at 9:30 AM)

Location: Your local MISSION
BBQ

Purpose: A gathering to honor fallen heroes and display their photos and stories of service on the restaurant's Gold Star Family Wall.

Guests: Gold Star Families are welcome to attend and bring guests.RSVP: Registrations can be submitted through the Gold Star Family Luncheon RSVP page.

Gold Star Family Open House Luncheon RSVP We’re looking forward to seeing you at our Gold Star Family Open House Luncheon on September 27, 2026 from 10:00 – 11:30 am. And feel free to bring guests! Please let us know who will be joining us:

09/26/2026

09/26/2026

09/24/2026

❤️⭐❤️

08/31/2026

GOLD STAR FAMILIES - Louisville Gold Star Family Day at the Ballpark - KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Our Know Before You Go email went out on August 21 to help you feel fully prepared for the upcoming gathering. If you didn’t see it, please check your inbox for important details on parking, arrival times, and on‑site support.

We look forward to welcoming you with the respect, care, and honor your family deserves.

08/31/2026

A Veteran can serve honorably for years.

Deploy. Sacrifice. Miss birthdays. Carry things home that most of us will never understand.

And then lose their life to su***de years after the uniform comes off.

None of what came before disappears.

Their oath still mattered.
Their service still mattered.
Their sacrifice still mattered.
Their life still mattered.

And the family left behind still matters. That is the heart of Green Star Families of America.

We aren't asking anyone to change the story of military service. We're asking America not to stop telling it because of how a Veteran died.

No family should feel invisible.