The gold star denoting a family member who died in combat dates back to World War I, but before last week, the phrase “Gold Star family” wasn’t as widely known as it was during World War II. “His name will live forever in American memory, as an example of true American greatness.”But how did the gold star become a symbol of the ultimate sacrifice? In 1928, 25 mothers met in Washington, D.C., to establish a national organization called American Gold Star Mothers Inc. That organization exists to this day. The widow of one serviceman once said she wished more Americans appreciated the meaning of the gold star. It’s believed Wilson coined the term “Gold Star Mother.”Over time, two types of service flags were created.

Source: Los Angeles Times August 03, 2016 22:57 UTC