No matter whichU.S. stateyou’re in , it ’s not uncommon to total across alicense plateemblazoned with a gold star , often alongside the wordsGold Star FamilyorGold Star Mother .
The roots of the custom date back to 1917 , when Ohio regular army maitre d' Robert L. Queissercreated a bannerto honor his two son who were then fighting inWorld War I. The mere design featured a carmine perimeter around blue stars — one for each participating military member — and quick became popular among other parents of soldiers . The next year , the Women ’s Committee of the Council of National Defensestarted encouraging womento wear black armbands bearing a atomic number 79 star for each fall soldier in their family .
These two wartime traditions finally converged , as women — particularly mothers — begin covering the blue stars on their streamer with gold ones when a loved one fall back their life in the logical argument of duty . In 1928 , a collective of female parent establish a non-profit-making organization calledAmerican Gold Star Mothers , Inc. , which serve advertise the practice . ( Their blue - star vis-a-vis establish their own group , Blue Star Mothers of America , Inc. , in 1942 . )
The federal government has endorsed the gold star ’s symbolisation since its former days , when PresidentWoodrow Wilsonapproved the armbands . Then , in 1936 , Congress lead a resolution to make the last Sunday in September “ Gold Star Mother ’s solar day , ” which President Barack Obamaupdated to“Gold Star Mother ’s and Family ’s solar day ” during his tenure .
The streamer are still around today ; the Department of War ( a predecessor to the Department of Defense)started regulation themduringWorld War II . Au star license plates are but another fashion for families of pass soldiers to in public commemorate the sacrifice . Designs , qualification , and other detailsvary by state . Grandchildren , for example , are eligible for the plates inCaliforniabut not inVermont . Some statesoffer blue star license plates , too .
Have you got a Big Question you ’d like us to answer ? If so , permit us know by emailing bigquestions@mentalfloss.com .
