On Sept. 26, Illinois honored those families who have lost a loved one while serving in the United States Armed Forces. Gold Star Family Day, which will now be celebrated the last Monday of each September, was signed into law by Gov. Bruce Rauner in July. This new day of recognition comes the day after Gold Star Mother’s Day, which is currently observed the last Sunday of every September.
Gold Star Family day is a time for those surviving relatives of deceased military personnel to be recognized for their sacrifice and loss. This day of recognition also provides Illinois residents with an opportunity to pause and reflect on the freedom and safety they enjoy, while at the same time honoring the sacrifice those men and women made to ensure America’s safety endures.