Illinois state Rep. Patrick Windhorst (R-Metropolis) | State Representative Patrick Windhorst/Facebook
Illinois state Rep. Patrick Windhorst (R-Metropolis) | State Representative Patrick Windhorst/Facebook
April 5 was Gold Star Spouse’s Day, and Illinois state Rep. Patrick Windhorst (R-Metropolis) took to social media to recognize the loved ones of those who were killed in the line of duty while serving in the United States Armed Forces.
“Today we recognize the loved ones of our nation’s fallen heroes and honor their shared service and sacrifice for our country,” he said in a Facebook post. “God bless Gold Star Spouses.”
Gold Star Spouse’s Day dates back to 1936, when it was called Gold Star Mother’s Day, a report on Veteran.com said. Back then it was observed on the last Sunday in September. A Gold Star Wives organization began before the end of World War II, and the lapel button tradition started in 1947. The first Gold Star Wives Day was in December 2010 and codified by the U.S. Senate in 2012 to occur on April 5. The name was then switched to Gold Star Spouse’s Day for inclusiveness.
A Gold Star Family is one that has lost a member in the line of duty during their military service, the National Veterans Memorial and Museum website said.
“It is meant to honor the service member’s ultimate sacrifice while acknowledging their family’s loss, grief and continued healing,” the page said. The museum provides a collection of resources for Gold Star Families and Gold Star Spouses.
As of April 2023, there are 333 Gold Star Families in the state, the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs (IDVA) said. The department offers programs, events and ceremonies to honor the heroes and their families throughout the year, and it also provides various support programs. Additionally, it can connect Gold Star Spouses and Gold Star Families with resources.
Events include Gold Star Families Weekend, Veterans and Gold Star Families Days at the Springfield and DuQuoin State Fairs, and the Gold Star Christmas Tree Lighting.
Windhorst was first elected to the Illinois House in 2018, the General Assembly website said. His legislative experience includes serving on the Restorative Justice and Judiciary-Criminal committees. He resides in Metropolis.
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