Gold Star Honors Soldiers bow their heads in prayer during a Gold Star remembrance ceremony at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, May 23, 2024. The Gold Star symbol began during World War I when families hung banners with blue stars representing a relative in military service. If the service member died in combat, the family changed the blue star to gold. SHARE: Download: Full Size (0.22 MB) Tags: History, world war i, Army Credit: Air Force Staff Sgt. Derek Seifert VIRIN: 240523-F-UN009-1015.JPG Photo Gallery