Gold Star license plates are more than just a design; they symbolize the ultimate sacrifice of a military service member. But what does this symbol mean, and how did it come to be?
A Symbol of Sacrifice
A Gold Star on a license plate signifies that the driver or their family has lost a loved one in military service. It’s a small but powerful reminder of the bravery and dedication of those who have given their lives for their country.
Origins of the Gold Star Tradition
The Gold Star tradition began with the Blue Star program. In 1917, Army Captain Robert L. Queisser of the Ohio 5th Infantry created the Blue Star Service Banner to honor his sons and other service members. The banner, featuring a blue star on a white background with a red border, quickly spread across the nation as a symbol of support.
From Blue Star to Gold Star
As the war continued, the need for a symbol to honor the fallen grew. The Women’s Committee of the Council of National Defense suggested that mothers of fallen soldiers wear a black armband with a gold star. President Woodrow Wilson approved this in 1918, and the Gold Star became the symbol of a family member who had made the ultimate sacrifice.
In 1928, 25 grieving mothers formed American Gold Star Mothers, Inc., which played a key role in evolving the Blue Star Service Banner to include gold stars.
Gold Star Mother’s Day
In 1936, Congress declared the last Sunday of September as “Gold Star Mother’s Day” to honor mothers who lost sons and daughters in military service.
Getting a Gold Star License Plate
Gold Star license plates are available in many states, but eligibility varies. Usually, parents, spouses, and siblings can apply, and in some states, grandchildren are also eligible. The process requires proof of the relationship to the deceased service member.
The Legacy of the Gold Star
The Gold Star tradition, rooted in the Blue Star Service Banner, is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by military families. Through the efforts of organizations like American Gold Star Mothers, Inc., this tradition endures, ensuring the bravery and sacrifice of our fallen heroes are never forgotten.