Gold Star Spouses of America, Inc.

06/14/2026

On June 14, we recognize Flag Day and reflect on the meaning of the United States flag.

The flag represents more than a nation. It stands as a symbol of service, sacrifice, and the values upheld by those who have served in defense of our country.

For Gold Star spouses and families, the flag carries a deeply personal meaning. It represents the life, service, and sacrifice of a loved one, and the legacy that continues through those who carry their memory forward.

Whether folded and presented in honor, displayed in remembrance, or raised as a symbol of unity, the flag serves as a powerful reminder of the cost of freedom.

Today, we pause to reflect on what the flag represents and the lives behind it.

We invite our community to join us in honoring the service and sacrifice represented by the flag.

06/13/2026

🏁 We're at Pocono Raceway this weekend! 🏁
If you're attending the race weekend at Pocono Raceway, stop by and visit the Gold Star Spouses of America outreach table.
Our team is excited to connect with supporters, share information about our mission, and honor the families of our nation's fallen service members. Whether you're a longtime supporter, a military family, or simply want to learn more about our work, we'd love to meet you.
Come say hello, pick up information about our programs, and learn how you can help us continue providing Connection, Advocacy, Remembrance, and Education for surviving spouses and families.
We look forward to seeing you at the track this weekend!

06/11/2026

Surviving spouses are often asked to navigate more than one life change at a time.

Grief.
Financial transition.
Administrative systems.

All at once.

In the midst of loss, many are expected to understand complex benefit structures, complete detailed applications, and make time-sensitive decisions—often without clear guidance or consistent communication.

These are not small challenges. They are not minor inconveniences.

They carry real emotional and financial consequences.

Behind every form, every policy, and every process is a person trying to move forward while carrying the weight of loss. When systems are unclear or difficult to navigate, that burden becomes even heavier.

This is why clarity, communication, and support matter so deeply.

Gold Star Spouses of America exists to ensure that surviving spouses do not have to face these challenges alone—and that their experiences are seen, understood, and represented.

If you are a surviving spouse, you are not alone. Learn more or become part of this community:

06/09/2026

💛 A Meaningful Evening at the U.S. Capitol

During their time in Washington, D.C., members of Gold Star Spouses of America were invited on a private evening tour of the U.S. Capitol, hosted and led by Congressman Tom Barrett.

The tour offered members a chance to experience the history and significance of a place where many decisions affecting military families and surviving spouses are made.

From gathering outside the Capitol to walking through its halls and learning more about its history, this was a special moment of connection, reflection, and shared purpose.

We are grateful to Congressman Barrett for welcoming our members and taking the time to lead this meaningful experience.

💬 Have you visited the U.S. Capitol before? Share your experience with us in the comments.

06/06/2026

D-Day Remembrance

On June 6, we remember the courage and sacrifice of the Allied forces who took part in the D-Day landings during World War II.

Their actions marked a turning point in history, reflecting extraordinary bravery in the face of immense risk. Many gave their lives in service to a cause greater than themselves, helping to secure freedom for future generations.

For Gold Star spouses and families, this day holds deeper meaning. It is a reminder of the enduring legacy of service and sacrifice carried across generations.

As we reflect, we honor all who have given their lives in service to our nation. Their courage continues to shape the freedoms we live with today.

We invite you to join us in remembrance.

06/03/2026

Gold Star Spouses of America was recently featured by WUSA9 in a story about Gold Star families, Memorial Day, and the advocacy work continuing on behalf of surviving spouses.

We are grateful to have this conversation shared with a wider audience.

For Gold Star families, Memorial Day is not abstract. It is personal. It is a day connected to a name, a face, a life, and a loss that continues long after the ceremonies end.

This feature is a reminder that honoring those who died in service also means remembering the families who continue to carry their love and legacy forward.

Thank you to WUSA9 for covering this important story.

We invite you to watch the feature and, if you feel comfortable, share the name or memory of someone you are remembering:

Gold Star Spouses of America President Tamra Sipes talks about the organization — and what they're doing in DC.

06/01/2026

💛 Memorial Day Reflection: Remembrance, Visibility, and Advocacy

This Memorial Day weekend, members of Gold Star Spouses of America gathered in Washington, D.C. to honor the lives and legacies of those who gave everything in service to our nation.

From Rolling to Remember and the National Memorial Day Parade to the Arlington National Cemetery ceremony and other moments of remembrance, Gold Star spouses and families stood together in honor, reflection, and shared purpose.

This visibility matters.

Following the weekend, multiple media mentions highlighted Gold Star spouses and the continued push for stronger survivor benefits, including coverage from CBS Detroit, YouTube, KREM, Yahoo, and other outlets.

These mentions help bring greater public attention to the realities surviving spouses face and the importance of turning remembrance into meaningful support.

For Gold Star families, Memorial Day is deeply personal. It is about the loved ones remembered, the families who carry their legacy forward, and the continued work to ensure surviving spouses are seen, heard, and supported.

We are grateful to every member, family, supporter, and media outlet helping keep these stories and needs in the national conversation.

💬 What Memorial Day moment was most meaningful to you this year?

05/28/2026

Following a meaningful Memorial Day weekend honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice, there’s encouraging news for our military community.

The House has passed the bipartisan Sharri Briley and Eric Edmundson Veterans Benefits Expansion Act — legislation that would expand benefits for more than 500,000 Gold Star families and thousands of catastrophically wounded veterans.

Key highlights include:
- Increased financial support for severely disabled veterans requiring in-home medical supervision
- The first increase to Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) benefits for surviving military families since 1993
- Expanded VA home loan eligibility for more National Guard and Reserve members
- Broad bipartisan and veteran organization support, including the VFW, DAV, Wounded Warrior Project, and Gold Star organizations

No legislation can ever fully repay the sacrifices made by service members and their families, but this marks an important step toward recognizing and supporting those who have carried the burden of service long after the uniform comes off.

As we move beyond Memorial Day, this is a reminder that honoring our heroes also means continuing to advocate for them and their families every day.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7S9OEu37F1w

Some Gold Star spouses are now pushing Congress to modernize support for the families of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.SUBSCRIBE and turn on notifica...

05/25/2026

Memorial Day

Today, we pause in remembrance of the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our nation.

Memorial Day is a time to honor their sacrifice and reflect on the legacy they leave behind. Their courage and commitment have shaped the freedoms we hold today.

For Gold Star spouses and families, this day carries a deeply personal meaning. It is a time to remember loved ones who gave everything, and to honor the lives and legacies that continue through those they left behind.

As a community, we stand together in gratitude and remembrance, recognizing the lasting impact of their service on families, communities, and our nation.

We invite you to pause with us in honoring those who gave their lives in service.

05/23/2026

"I'm out on the National Mall next to Lincoln monument. Its raining but that doesn't stop our efforts to Honor and Remember our loved ones and those left behind. FREEDOM is NOT Free. Come by and see me" Let's hear it for our VP Kimberly Hazelgrove for braving the elements today to provide outreach.