KING OF PRUSSIA, PA — The Washington Memorial Chapel Veterans Commission will host a service on Sunday, September 28, to honor Gold Star Mother’s and Family’s Day, a national observance recognizing the sacrifice of families who have lost loved ones in military service.
The program begins at 2 p.m. at the Chapel, located at 2000 Valley Forge Park Road, with an address by Judy Bubeck, a Gold Star Mother whose son, Army Sergeant John Bubeck, was killed in action in Iraq in 2006. Bubeck is an active member of the North Penn Chapter of American Gold Star Mothers, a congressionally chartered service organization dedicated to supporting grieving families and preserving the memory of fallen service members.
Following the service, attendees will take part in a prayer procession to the Chapel’s Cloister of the Colonies, home to the Statue of Sacrifice and Devotion. The statue, dating back to World War I, has long served as a place of reflection and comfort for families of the fallen. A luncheon reception will follow in the Bishop White Library. The event is open to the public, with a suggested donation of $10.
Gold Star Mother’s and Family’s Day was first recognized in 1936, when Congress set aside the last Sunday of September to honor families who lost loved ones in military service. The tradition originated during World War I, when families displayed service flags with blue stars to signify those serving; a gold star was placed over the blue to mark a service member’s death.
After World War II, Congress introduced the Gold Star Lapel Pin, which must be presented by the military to immediate family members of the deceased. The pin features a gold star on a purple background encircled by laurel leaves, symbolizing loss and national gratitude.
The Washington Memorial Chapel Veterans Commission works to support veterans, active service members, and their families while fostering spiritual care and community engagement. More information is available at wmchapel.org/veterans.
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