gold star family
Military death survivors
A gold star family is one that has lost a member to military service.
The term comes from the practice of displaying a gold star in windows or on service flags to indicate a family member killed in action, as distinguished from a blue star indicating someone currently serving.
Gold star families gathered at the memorial ceremony.
Period following loss
- bereavementState following loss
- sorrowDeep emotional distress
- heartacheDeep emotional distress
- anguishIntense mental suffering
loss · widow · orphan · survivor · coping · healing · consolation · sympathy
Act of holding something in mind
- heroesAdmired courageous figures
- valorCourage in danger
- heroismExceptional courage under duress
- courageFortitude facing danger
bravery · honor · service · dedication · commitment · gratitude · pride · appreciation
Having dropped down
- deploymentOrganized distribution of resources
- battlefieldCombat engagement area
- killed in actionDied during combat operations
- ultimate sacrificeDying for a cause
combat · military · soldier · sailor · marine · airman · guardian · uniform
Offering of respect
- memorialThing preserving remembrance
- recognitionPerceiving something as known
- ceremonyFormal event marking occasions
- commendationFormal expression of approval
medal · distinction · reverence · respect · decorum · salute · wreath · taps
mourning
Period following loss
- bereavementState following loss
- sorrowDeep emotional distress
- heartacheDeep emotional distress
anguish · loss · widow · orphan · survivor · coping · healing · consolation · sympathy · empathy
remembrance
Act of holding something in mind
courage · bravery · honor · service · dedication · commitment · gratitude · pride · appreciation · memory
fallen
Having dropped down
- deploymentOrganized distribution of resources
- battlefieldCombat engagement area
- killed in actionDied during combat operations
ultimate sacrifice · combat · military · soldier · sailor · marine · airman · guardian · uniform · duty
tribute
Offering of respect
- memorialThing preserving remembrance
- recognitionPerceiving something as known
- ceremonyFormal event marking occasions
commendation · medal · distinction · reverence · respect · decorum · salute · wreath · taps · bugle
- military relationshipsally, enemy, comrade, commander, subordinate