ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Since 1936, the last Sunday in September has been designated as Gold Star Mother’s Day to recognize and honor those who have lost a child while serving their country in the United States armed forces.

What You Need To Know

  • The Gold Star family is one that has experienced a loss of a loved one, an immediate family member, who died as the result of active-duty military service

  • According to a 2019 Military Times article, since 9/11, more than 16,000 troops have died in non-combat circumstances and more than 7,000 died in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars alone

  • Gold Star Mother’s and Family Day is celebrated on the last Sunday in September

On a solemn day of reflection, the feeling of loss is felt by the community and, most importantly, their loved ones.

Gold Star families, families who have lost a loved one while fighting for this country, were honored on Sunday.

“Those who have lost loved ones while serving say they never forget where they were when they received the news,” one speaker said. “It's something they will carry with them forever. The day blues turned to gold.”

The feeling of loss is permanent, and finding comfort with it can be its own search.

“It can be a very emotional time because it brings up the loss,” Blue Star Mothers chaplain Mary Anne Zani said. “But we're celebrating brave men and women who have come into the branches of the military and right away they really sacrificed their lives.”

Miriam Velez lost her son, Marine Cpl. Reynold Armand, who died in Iraq in 2007 at 21. 

“I remember very well,” Velez said. “It was very hard. I don't wish anybody to have that knock at the door. They said that my son was hurt, but when you get the news, you know they're not hurt when they come in, because something else drastic hasn't really happened.”

Velez has attended Gold Star family events every year since, in Armand’s honor.

“This day is very special, not just for the moms, but obviously we have dads, sisters, brothers, uncles, aunts,” Velez said. “And I think it's a big thing to remember them.”

Day like this make sure Armand, along with many others, are not forgotten.

“His smile,” Velez said of what she misses about her son. “He always [was] telling me if I was upset about something, to calm down. Just the way he was. He was just very respectful [and] very loving. Everybody that you talked to would mention Reynold. They would say the same thing all the time.”

And far from the field of combat, families find comfort in its community.

“There's a community here with blue stars, with the service members and with other families who have experienced the same loss as you,” Gold Star Mothers Rochester chapter president Dorothy Reid said.

Families come together at the end of September to commemorate and honor the heroes and the families who continue to carry their legacy for years to come.