NewsMilitary

Actions

Exhibit honoring Gold Star Families dedicated in Pentagon

Memorial was created by a Gold Star wife
201026-D-WD757-2225.jpg
Posted at 9:04 AM, Nov 03, 2020
and last updated 2020-11-03 09:35:10-05

ARLINGTON, Va. - A permanent exhibit honoring Gold Star Families has been dedicated at the Pentagon.

The exhibit is located in the Hall of Heroes, a room within the Pentagon that honors service members who have received the Medal of Honor. That's the highest recognition for acts of valor.

"The gold star is a symbol of your loved one, a symbol of the one that you lost — and they were children, fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters; and they were friends, and coaches, and mentors, and so much more. But most of all, they're American heroes," chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Army General Mark Milley, said during a ribbon-cutting event last week.

The origin of the Gold Star dates back to World War I. During that conflict, families would put service flags in their window featuring a blue star for each immediate family member serving in the war. If a loved one was killed in action, the star's color would be changed to gold.

Gold Star wife Jane Horton created the new display in the Pentagon.

It explains the history of the Gold Star and features a rotating story of a Gold Star family.