WASHINGTON—President Donald Trump proclaimed Sunday, Sept. 27, as Gold Star Mother’s and Family’s Day, calling on Americans to honor the families of service members who died while serving the country.
In a proclamation issued Friday, Trump said the nation owes a continuing obligation to the spouses, parents, children and other relatives of fallen members of the Armed Forces.
“On Gold Star Mother’s and Family’s Day, we pause to honor the surviving families of our valiant patriots and renew our sacred obligation to always support them,” Trump said.
The president said Gold Star families often carry the loss of a loved one while continuing to serve their communities, including through work supporting military families, veterans and others who have lost relatives in military service.
Trump also pointed to his administration’s Military Spouse Commission, saying its members are working on issues affecting military families and coordinating with the Gold Star Advisory Council.
The observance traces its roots to a 1936 congressional resolution designating the last Sunday in September as Gold Star Mother’s Day. The observance has since broadened to recognize Gold Star families more generally. This year, the final Sunday of September falls on Sept. 27.
Trump directed government officials to display the American flag over government buildings and encouraged Americans to fly the flag and hold ceremonies honoring families whose loved ones died in military service.
“Today, the First Lady joins me in prayer, sympathy, and gratitude for every American whose loved one gave the last full measure of devotion,” Trump said.