A modern generalization (presumably removing gender
specificity) from the terms of
Gold Star Mother and Gold Star Wife, both of which have been formally applied to the relatives of US Servicemen (and Servicewomen) who died since World War I and World War II.
see www.army.mil/
goldstar/
The term
Gold Star family is a modern reference that comes from the Service Flag.
Gold Star Mothers, as well as all Family members who are
grieving a military loss, will always be cherished members of the Army Family.
