The lapel pin features a star on a purple circular background and can only be worn by the immediate family of service members killed in combat. A similar pin was created in 1973.

The Navy has authorized a range of new clothing items, including two-piece swimsuits for male and female sailors, special pins to designate survivors and next-of-kin of fallen troops, and a ...

The Gold Star Wives organization was established before World War II ended in 1945. The pin worn by grieving family members, called the Gold Star Lapel Button, was introduced in 1947.

For more information about Gold Star pins and to view the PSAs, visit www.goldstarpins.org. To find out more about the SOS program, contact Sanders at 410-278-2861 or casandra.a.sanders-nash.civ ...

Donna Engeman wants more Americans to know about Gold Star lapel pins. "This is the symbol of what we lost and nobody knows," Engeman said.