State and federal officials have worked together to designate Thursday, August 1, 2024, as Gold Star Children’s Day to recognize the sacrifices of children of fallen service members.
Last week, Gov. Tate Reeves signed his annual proclamation to honor those who have lost a parent in military service. On social media, the Republican added: “Our nation has been defended throughout history by brave men and women who have sacrificed their own well-being for the cause of freedom. In recognition of this, I’ve declared August 1 as Gold Star Children’s Day.”
U.S. Sens. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Joe Manchin, I-W.Va., followed suit by introducing a bipartisan resolution on the federal level to designate August 1 as Gold Star Children’s Day.
“The sons and daughters of our fallen service members carry on their legacy,” Wicker said. “Recognizing them with this special day is the least we can do to honor the lifelong sacrifice they made.”
The symbol of the Gold Star grew exponentially during World War I when families of servicemembers would embroider service flags with gold stars representing loved ones who had died in the line of duty. They would then hang the flags in windows of their homes to further honor those who have fallen.
In just over a century since America’s Gold Star tradition began, nearly 5,500 Mississippians have died in service, resulting in roughly 10,000 Gold Star Children. Gold Star Children’s Day is celebrated yearly as a way to pay respect to those who have lost a loved one in battle.
