FAQ's Frequently Asked Questions
CALIFORNIA GOLD STAR FAMILIES
  • What is a Gold Star Family?
    On May 28, 1918, President Wilson approved a suggestion made by the
    Women’s Committee of the Council of National Defenses that, instead of
    wearing conventional mourning for relatives who have died in the service
    of their country, American women should wear a black band on the left
    arm with a gilt star on the band for each member of the family who has
    given his life for the nation.

    “The Service Flag displayed from homes, places of business, churches,
    schools, etc., to indicate the number of members of the family or
    organizations who are serving in the Armed Forces or who have died
    from such service. Service flags have a deep Blue Star for each living
    member in the service and a Gold Star for each member who has died.”
    Thus, the gold Star and the term Gold Star Mother, as applied to mothers
    whose sons or daughters died in the World Wars, has been accepted.
    Fathers have become more visible and active as parents of soldiers,
    sailors, Marines, and airmen, thus the term Gold Star father is used today.

    The gold star represents sacrifice to the cause of liberty and freedom.

  • Do other states have license plates honoring Gold Star Families?
    Yes. As of Jan 2008, the states of New York, Pennsylvania,
    Massachusetts, Oregon, Texas, Illinois, Wisconsin, Ohio, Georgia, Iowa,
    Utah, Connecticut, Florida have authorized license plates honoring the
    sacrifice of Gold Star Families.  Other states are in the process.

  • How many war casualties are from California?
    California has suffered more casualties than any other state in recent
    wars, nearly 8600 - Iraq (425), Afghanistan(47), Viet Nam (5575) and
    Korea (2611).  It is unknown how many Californians lost their lives in
    the Balkans or in Desert Storm. (statistics as of 3/12/08)
Formed in January 2008, California Gold Star Families are organizing to work together to get the
state of California to authorize a Gold Star Family License plate for California Gold Star Family
members.
Contact us at cagoldstarfamilies@cagoldstarfamilies.org