Gold Star Children's Day
Gold Star Children's Day, observed annually on Aug. 1, aims to recognize and honor the children of fallen service members. This observance serves as a touching reminder of bravery and sacrifice, not only of the fallen service members but also their families. On Gold Star Children's Day, we should reflect on their resilience and strength. The Long Term Assistance Program (LTAP) will forward information on events across the United States that may be honoring surviving military children. If you have questions about an event in your area, reach out to LTAP at 866-210-3421, option 2.
Gold Star Mother's and Family's Day
Gold Star Mother's and Family's Day, observed the last Sunday in September, holds a significant place in the hearts of those who have lost a loved one in military service. This day honors and recognizes the sacrifices made by surviving families who have lost a family member in the line of duty.
During World War I, families displayed service flags with a blue star to represent loved ones serving in the military. If a service member died, the blue star was replaced with a gold one. This inspired the formation of Gold Star Mothers, an organization for mothers who lost children in service. In 1936, Gold Star Mother's Day was recognized by Congress, and a day of observance was established to honor their sacrifice. Over time, the focus expanded to include all surviving families, leading to the creation of Gold Star Mother's and Family's Day.
LTAP will forward information about events around the country hosted by other branches of service, nonprofits, and local communities. If you have questions regarding an event in your area, reach out to LTAP at 866-210-3421, option 2.
How to Access Your Marine's Records and Awards
Losing a loved one who served in the military is an incredibly difficult experience for families. The families want to honor their memory in the most meaningful way possible. One-way surviving families can continue to tell the story of their Marine is by learning about their military service. Surviving families can request military awards, and records that reflect their service and sacrifice.
Military records can be requested by using the Standard Form (SF) 180 or by visiting eVetRecs. Some key information about the Marine to have accessible when completing the form is:
- Full name
- Social Security Number
- Date of birth
- Date of death
- Branch of service
- Rank
If requesting the Marine's awards line-up with medal replacements, the family can submit the SF 180 and email it to the Awards Branch organizational email box: hqmcmmma.awards.veteranrequests@usmc.mil.
Both requests require a copy of the DD Form 1300 (Report of Casualty) and a copy of your license (front and back). If you need a new DD Form 1300, please contact the LTAP office at 866-210-3421, option 2. Please note that these requests can take time to process; we recommend allowing nine months for a response.
For surviving military families, requesting military records, and awards is a significant part of preserving the memory and honoring the sacrifice of their fallen Marine.
The Woody Williams Gold Star Families Memorial Monuments
The Woody Williams Gold Star Families Memorial Monuments are a series of memorials dedicated to preserve the memory of our fallen military members. These monuments were designed by Hershel “Woody” Williams, USMC (Ret.), a World War II Medal of Honor recipient.
The monuments, which have been placed across the United States, feature a distinctive design: a two-sided tribute made of black granite. One side displays the inscription: Gold Star Families Memorial Monument, while the opposite side tells a story through four granite panels titled: Homeland, Family, Patriot, and Sacrifice. At the center, a saluting service member silhouette symbolizes the legacy of those who sacrificed for our freedom.
The Woody Williams Gold Star Families Memorial Monuments provide a space for reflection, remembrance, and healing. By honoring the sacrifices made by fallen heroes, these memorials also acknowledge the strength of their families who continue to carry their legacy forward.
With ongoing efforts to expand this network, the Woody Williams Gold Star Families Memorial Monuments ensure that the sacrifices of the nation's bravest are never forgotten. For more information or to find a Gold Star Families Memorial Monument near you, please visit the Gold Star Families Memorial Monuments page.
Honoring Our Heroes
Sergeant Charles Calvin Strong
During Sergeant Charles Strong's military career, he trained as a Motor Transportation Operator, Military Police, and as an Instructor at the Officer Candidates School, Quantico before becoming a Critical Skills Operator for Marine Special Operations Command (MARSOC). Sergeant Strong was assigned to Marine Special Operations Company Fox, 2D MSOB where he served as an Element Member for Marine Special Operations Team #8214.
Sergeant Strong was killed in action September 15, 2014, in a “Green on Blue” incident while supporting partnered operations in Herat Province, Afghanistan.
Submitted by: Mary Strong, surviving mother
Staff Sergeant Liam Anthony Flynn
Liam Flynn was an Irishman with the heart of a warrior and the soul of a poet. As a Marine Raider, father, and friend, he lived with quiet strength and unwavering loyalty. His stoicism wasn't distance—it was depth, shaped by love, sacrifice, and duty. He gave everything without asking for anything in return. Though he's gone, his legacy lives in our child, in every brave choice, and in the stillness where I still feel him beside me.
Submitted by: Destiny Flynn, surviving spouse
Sergeant Colin Ismail Arslanbas
Insert: May 19, 2001
Extract: April 18, 2024
Colin was the kind of person who lit up every room he walked into. He had an effortless way of making people laugh, whether through a perfectly timed joke or just by being his unfiltered, genuine self—whispering was never his strong suit. His love for his middle school sweetheart never wavered; from the time they were kids, he knew she was the one. They were overjoyed to find out they were expecting a daughter. Colin was a loyal friend to everyone, the kind of guy who could make anyone feel like they belonged. He was a devoted son and brother, always putting family first, always showing up. His courage and dedication as a Marine reflected the strength and heart he carried throughout his life. Though he is no longer with us, his humor, kindness, and unwavering love live on in the countless lives he touched.
Submitted by: Nicole Arslanbas, surviving mother
Private First Class Zachary Robert Allred Boland
PFC Zachary R. Boland was born on December 29, 1997, at Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, DC. He was the second child born to Bob and Sam Boland and eventually would have five siblings. Around the time he was 11 years old, he had already decided that he wanted to become a United States Marine and from then on his life decisions had that dream in mind to include a stint with the Young Marines. He graduated from James Clemens High School in Madison, AL, in May 2016 where he played football, was part of Junior ROTC, and sang in the choir. He participated in the Boy Scouts of America earning the rank of Eagle Scout in 2012. On September 19, 2016, Zachary entered active duty with the Marines and traveled to Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, SC. Zachary became sick early on, so he was delayed from being assigned to a training company until the middle of October 2016. He had not completely recovered from his original illness and subsequently developed undiagnosed pneumonia. Despite being extremely ill, Zachary assured others he would be fine and endured the intense training until his death on November 4, 2016.
Submitted by: Robert Boland, surviving father
Sergeant Andre Jerrel Armstrong
On this 5th anniversary of our fallen hero's passing, Sgt. Andre J. Armstrong, a Marine who served our nation with unwavering dedication and courage. His service was a testament to his strong character, his commitment to duty, and his legacy will forever be etched in our hearts. We will remember him with pride and gratitude, and we will never forget his sacrifices. If I had to take a moment to think about how proud we are of you, I could write a novel. If I had to sum it up, we knew that you were different and that you were destined for greatness. You were raised in a family that believed in hard work and helping others is what you saw daily. When you decided to join the Marines, it was no surprise. You've influenced so many people and even in death your presence is still being felt. You served your country well and you will ALWAYS be remembered as this family's best story and HERO. Thank you for your service to this country and for the ultimate sacrifice of your life Sergeant Andre Jerrell Armstrong. We love you.
Signed, Your family
Submitted by: Kenya Armstrong, surviving spouse
Contact Us:
Long Term Assistance Program and USMC Gold Star and Surviving Family Member Representative
Headquarters, U. S. Marine Corps
Marine and Family Programs Division (MF)
Casualty Section (MFPC)
1-866-210-3421, option 2
LTAP@usmc.mil