The Gold Star Mother organization began in 1928. The idea grew during World War I when small banners or pennants were displayed in the front windows of the homes of those who had son(s) and/or daughter(s) serving in the armed forces. A Blue Star on a white field indicated a family member was in the service. A Gold Star indicated that a family member had lost their life while serving their country.

Located east of the plaza, the Gold Star measures 125′ from point to point. The original Gold Star consisted of Juniper trees outlined with Dart’s Gold Nine Bark Bushes. When the bushes had to be replaced, Sunkist Arborvitae was chosen. The soil and conditions ended up being too poor to use plants to form the Gold Star. After getting soil sample results and taking advice from plant pathologists, the decision was made to renew the Gold Star in a permanent “gold” design with the use of gold sand. Nearing completion, the project has relied on the strong backs and generosity of dedicated volunteers.