Gold Star Mothers and Family Day Ceremony

About this event

WHAT IS A GOLD STAR MOTHER?

A Gold Star Mother is a mother whose child died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. The term "Gold Star" comes from a Service Flag that was first displayed in windows of families during WWI. The flag contains a blue star for each family member serving in the military.  A gold star replaces the blue star for each family member who died while serving.

In 1936, President Franklin D. Roosevelt built upon this growing movement to honor the mothers of deceased service members, and designated the last Sunday of September as National Gold Star Mother’s Day.  In 1995, President Barack Obama amended “Gold Star Mother’s Day” to include families and designated it as "Gold Star Mother’s and Family Day’ which is still celebrated on the last Sunday in September.

The 2024 Gold Star Mothers and Family Day Ceremony will be held on Sunday, September 29, at 2:00 PM at the Jersey County Courthouse Memorial.  201 W Pearl Street, Jerseyville, Illinois.

In case of bad weather, it will be held in the St Francis Xavier Gymnasium at  412 S State Street, Jerseyville, Illinois.

This ceremony is hosted each year by the Marine Corps League Robert Wendle Detachment. 

The honor guard and members from the other Veteran organizations in the area also attend.

This ceremony is not just for Jersey County Mothers and Families – all are welcome to join us.

Please contact Tess Molloy Burkman at 618-946-2834 if you are a Gold Star Mother or family that would like to attend, as we honor those who have loved ones that gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

Please come show your support!