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Gold Star Families Program

​​ GoldStar.pngHow did the term "gold star" come about? During WWI, families displayed small banners with a blue star for each immediate family member who served in the armed forces. If their service member died in the line of duty, the family changed the blue star to a gold star. The gold star informed the community that a member of their service had died or been killed while serving their country.​

The mission of America’s Gold Star Families is to provide honor, hope and healing to those grieving any military loss through active duty service in the United States Armed Forces. They include all branches of service representing all conflicts.​​

​Becoming A Gold Star Family​

A Gold Star Family is the immediate family member(s) of a fallen service member who died while serving in a time of conflict. A Gold Star Family can display a Gold Star Service Flag for a service member who died while serving in the Armed Forces. The gold stars on the flag represent the number of people killed or killed. A gold star is placed over a blue star on a Blue Star Service Flag to form a border. The Department of Defense also awards Gold Star lapel pins to surviving family membe​​​​​​rs of fallen military personnel. The pins feature a gold star on a purple circular background and are worn by spouses, parents, and children of fallen service members.​

Advocacy and Awareness​

Many people are unaware of the significance and meaning of the Gold Star banner. America's Gold Star Families is dedicated to educating the public about this important designation, as well as how to properly respond when meeting someone who has lost a loved one while serving our country and advocating for their needs.

America’s Gold Star Families Scholarship Guidelines

To date AGSF has awarded almost $20,000.00 in scholarships and grants to families of the fallen. Deadline for application is September 15 of every year.

Eligibility: America’s Gold Star Families will be awarding $1000 scholarships to Kentucky​ family members who lost a loved one in service to our country. Each is a non-renewable scholarship to be used at a college/university, junior college or a trade/vocational school. Please provide the following information:

  • Provide your name, address, phone number and email address.
  • The name of fallen and your relationship.
  • Maintain C+ average and show proof of grades.
  • Show proof of acceptance to College, University or Trade School.
  • A paragraph stating what you did in school and where you see yourself in the future.
  • The check will be made out to the college, university or trade school.
  • Scholarship deadline is September 15 of each year.
  • Are you available to accept the scholarship in person at the Oct. Commemoration?
  • Submit information to info@americasgoldstarfamilies.org​.
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​Contact Us About Registering as a Gold Star Family​​​

Example: example@kentucky.gov

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In compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, this Department’s services, assistance, and activities are available to all without regard to race, color, or national origin.