April 10, 2026 | By David Vergun, Pentagon News 

Finally this week, the department observed Gold Star Spouses Day on April 5.

The term gold star dates back to World War I and the first service flag. Robert L. Queissner, who had served in the Ohio National Guard, hung the first blue star banner in his window in 1917 in honor of his two sons fighting in Europe.

Other families began displaying star banners, with a blue star for each child in active military service. If a service member was killed in action or died from injuries, a gold star replaced the blue one, signifying the family's sacrifice. These families became known as Gold Star Families.

Gold Star Spouses Day is observed annually on April 5 to honor the surviving spouses of military service members who have died in the line of duty.

"We recognize the profound sacrifices made by the surviving spouses of our fallen heroes. Your unwavering strength and remarkable resilience continue to inspire us all. Today and always, we stand with you in solemn remembrance and deep gratitude," Podleski said.

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Original Link:  https://www.war.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/4456466/this-week-in-dow-iran-ceasefire-daring-rescue-honoring-gold-star-spouses/