Becoming a Gold Star Mother is a profound and bittersweet distinction that no mother deserves or wants, yet many carry the distinction with a sense of pride and honor. It signifies that a mother ...

In the military community, few symbols carry as much weight and reverence as the Gold Star. It is a mark of profound sacrifice -- a symbol that a service member has died in the line of duty.

Thousands paid their respects and attended his funeral. On that date, James’ wife, Katie, became a Gold Star Wife, and his daughter, Mikayla, became a Gold Star Daughter. Their world was ...