Springfield IL—Gold Star Families Memorial Monument

06/14/2026

When most people look at Old Glory on Flag Day, they see a beautiful symbol of freedom. But when LCPL (Ret) Jared Poppe looks at the flag, he sees the faces of the brothers and sisters who gave everything to keep it flying.

Jared knows the cost of freedom firsthand. After surviving catastrophic injuries in Afghanistan on June 7, 2011, his prosthetic legs serve as a visible reminder of his sacrifice. Yet, Jared’s message in “When I Look at the Flag” points us toward a different kind of reverence—one that remembers the ultimate sacrifice.

At Gold Star Mission, this is exactly why we do what we do. The flag reminds us that our freedom is bought and paid for by heroes whose names must never be forgotten. This Flag Day, let’s look at the stars and stripes through Jared’s eyes. Let’s remember the fallen, honor their families, and live lives worthy of their sacrifice.

Gold Star Mission thanks Jared Poppe for allowing us to take his words and add them to this video created by Crowdson Creative Video Productions in Springfield, IL. We are forever grateful.

06/10/2026

"Recognizing and honoring those who were killed in action ensures that their sacrifice is never forgotten and serves as a powerful reminder to future generations of the true cost of freedom."

With the recent passage of Illinois House Resolution 864, the State of Illinois officially declared June 2026 as Illinois Fallen Heroes Month.

For Gold Star Mission, this resolution reinforces the promise we make to our Gold Star Families every day: your loved ones will always be remembered. HR 864 provides a dedicated time across our entire state for education, reflection, and community support for the families of the fallen.

Freedom is never free. As we observe this inaugural Fallen Heroes Month, we ask our community to join us in turning remembrance into action. Participate in a tribute, share a hero's story, and stand with the families who carry their legacy forward.

Remember - Never Forget!

05/25/2026

Gold Star Mission yard signs of the IL Fallen Service Members since 2001 are now on display at Washington Park in Springfield, IL till 7pm tonight. Get out there and walk, run, or ride thru and say their names.

ALWAYS REMEMBER-NEVER FORGET!

05/25/2026

What started out as Memorial Day, then Memorial Day weekend, for most of us has grown to having Friday to Monday off from work. Know this, for the Gold Star Families of these Service Members who never made it home, Memorial Day is everyday of the year for them.

Always Remember to say their names. If you knew them, tell their stories. If you didn't know them, learn their stories. But most of all, Never Forget!!

04/05/2026

On this Easter Sunday, we wish everyone a Happy Easter. And on this Gold Star Spouses Day, we honor our Gold Star Spouses, your strength, resilience, and the ultimate sacrifice your loved one made for our nation. Your courage inspires us all"

03/30/2026

03/27/2026

https://www.wowktv.com/news/west-virginia/medal-of-honor-monument-bill-named-for-woody-williams-passes-us-senate/?fbclid=IwdGRjcAQywjVjbGNrBDLBz2V4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHhwts6EmpQx_FFvP5ctCY2PitzcWpTQLOqXr2j9bznNtkJchNSdFK_xW3WkC_aem_ezrw7EUXWdXbbCIZRxF65w

WASHINGTON, D.C. (WOWK) — A bill to construct a monument recognizing Medal of Honor recipients passed by unanimous consent in the U.S. Senate Wednesday. The Hershel “Woody” Williams Nat…

12/24/2025

From our families to yours, wishing you all a Merry Christmas.

11/02/2025

Check out all of the photos from the dedication ceremony! Many thanks to Brian Deloche (photography credit) for a great perspective on a great turnout from our Gold Star Families and the community.

Scholarship and Donor Banquet

10/19/2025

On Saturday, our community came together for the powerful and moving dedication of the Gold Star Families Monument at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Springfield, Illinois. We are honored to pay tribute to the families of servicemen and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. This monument will stand as a permanent reminder of their sacrifice and a testament to their legacy.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and to the organizers who worked so hard to make this tribute a reality. We will always remember and never forget.

Photography credit goes to Brian DeLoche.