GOLD STAR SPOUSES DAY

April 5

Rex Shuey, VFW Post 8862

You may or may not have heard of Gold Star Spouse Day.

A Gold Star Spouse is the spouse of a military member who died in the line of duty, a military officer presents their next-of-kin – often a spouse, parent, or child – with a Gold Star pin during that military member’s funeral rites. Military spouses undertake a lot of the burden of family life while their spouse is away serving the country. Their contributions to national success often go unseen, which is why we have events like Gold Star Spouse Day and Military Spouse Appreciation Day to honor the sacrifices of those who support the military without being a military member.

The Gold Star Lapel was first created and handed out in 1973, but its origin stretches further back than that. When World War I was in full swing, many families would display banners outside of their homes featuring a Blue Star for every immediate family member who was serving during the war. If a family member died in service, one of the blue stars would be replaced with a gold star to let their neighbors, as well as the community at large, know that they had lost someone in battle.

After the war was over, many Gold Star Mothers got together to support one another through their grief and loss. Eventually, they created Gold Star Mother’s Day, which is held on the last Sunday in September. This group and their dedicated Gold Star Day would eventually pave the way for Gold Spouse Day, which became officially recognized in 2010.

Gold Star Spouse Day can be a troubling time for Gold Star Spouses, as it often serves as yet another reminder of the loss of their loved one. If you would like to honor and uplift a Gold Star Spouse in your life, follow their lead. Don’t bring up tough conversations that they may not be ready or prepared for. Instead, spend time with them doing things they like. Treat them to a Spa Day, or take them out to a nice dinner. You could even just spend time with them at home and watch movies for a relaxing, rewarding and cost-free self-care day.

Make sure the Gold Star Spouses in your life feel like your relationship represents a safe space to relax, have fun, and talk about their feelings regarding their lost loved one – if they’re ready to do so.

If you are close to a new Gold Star Spouse, reach out and make sure they have access to resources as well as the benefits that they have a right to as a surviving spouse. One great source to share on Gold Star Spouse Day is Military One Source’s “Survivor’s guide to Benefits: Taking care of our Families”.

We ask that you join us in saluting Gold Star Spouses for their sacrifices and contributions to making and participating in making America Free.

National Police Week Wreath Laying Ceremony

On May 19, VFW Post 10708 Illesheim, Germany, and VFW Post 9342 Ansbach, Germany attended the National Police Week Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Sadowski Theater, Bismarck Kaserne, Germany. The VFWs are proud to provide support the military and civilian components in and around Illesheim and Ansbach.

This event pays special recognition to those law enforcement officers and K9s who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others.

SFC Hunt, PMO NCOIC, provided the Opening Remarks followed by the Invocation led by SGT Lomeli. The Guest Speaker was Colonel Rebecca Hazelett who, as she spoke, was accompanied by a Fallen Officer’s Roll Call background slideshow displaying over 200 fallen police officers and K9s from the previous year.

After Colonel Hazelett concluded her remarks, there was a wreath laying ceremony followed by taps rendered by Commander Isaak of VFW Post 10708.

Afterwards there was a grill party at the base chapel supported by SSG Wood NCOIC of the Religious Support Office. The grilling of hamburgers was handled by members of VFW Post 10708. A special thanks to PAO for the use of some of their photographs.