History of the Gold Star

World War I mothers of sons and daughters in service displayed a Blue Star flag with both pride and concern...knowing their children were in harm's way. The Blue Star represented both their pride, and their hope. A large part of the Blue Star program was to initiate whatever efforts they could to some day bring their children safely home.

When the war began claiming the lives of many of young Americans, a new flag developed. When a son or daughter was killed in action a gold star was sewn over the blue one, completely covering it. In May 1918, the Women's Committee of National Defenses suggested to President Woodrow Wilson that those mothers who had lost a family member in the war should wear a black band on their upper-left arm, adorned with a gold star. In a letter affirming his support for this proposal, President Wilson referred to these women as "Gold Star Mothers.” It was the beginning a new tradition of patriotic support for those who serve our Nation in uniform.

Gold Star Family License Plate Bill

On September 26, 2008 Governor Schwarzenegger signed SB 1455 – the Gold Star Family License Plate bill– authored by Senator Dave Cogdill (Modesto). This bill authorizes the California Department of Veterans Affairs to sponsor a Gold Star Family specialized license plate program and waives the 7,500 minimum applications requirement. This bill authorizes a family member of a member of the Armed Forces who was killed while serving on active duty in the military to apply for a special license plate with a design containing a Gold Star and the words "Gold Star Family."

Project: Gold Star

The Gold Star Family License Plates will be produced at no cost to the state’s General Fund, so fundraising will be necessary. The Department of Veterans Affairs is authorized to actively seek donations to pay for the costs of implementing the program (estimated to be $300,000). So, the Department of Veterans Affairs has established Project Gold Star to help raise the necessary funds. All of the money collected by Project Gold Star will be deposited into the Gold Star Family License Plate Account created by SB 1455. Upon appropriation by the Legislature, these funds will be transferred to the Department of Motor Vehicles to cover their costs.

Gold Star Families have endured a most painful sacrifice for the sake of our country. The Department would like to show them our gratitude and support by initiating this program as soon as possible. We are counting on the public to offer their support.

Project Gold Star began accepting Donations upon the signing of the Bill. Anyone interested in participating may download, fill out and fax their pledge using the form on the left.

Checks made payable to "CDVA Project Gold Star" can be mailed to Project Gold Star, 1227 O St, Room 300, Sacramento, CA, 95814 or FAXED to (916) 653-2611. For more information please call (916) 653-2192.

Donations made to the state of California are tax deductible in most cases as a donation to the state (Tax ID # 68-0182830). If you would prefer to donate to a non-profit 501(c)3 organization please make your donation to “Project Gold Star” in care of the VetFund Foundation (Tax ID # 20-5195691)