Unbroken Bond: Honoring Marine Corps Gold Star Spouses
Each year on April 5, the Marine Corps community observes Gold Star Spouses Day, a time to honor the profound strength and sacrifice of the surviving spouses of our fallen service members. The Gold Star, a tradition dating back to World War I, remains a solemn symbol of a family's ultimate sacrifice. This day is our promise to recognize the unwavering resilience of the spouses who carry that legacy forward.
For Gold Star Spouses, each day can present new challenges—balancing remembrance, healing, and the responsibilities of everyday life. The loss of a spouse in service to our nation is a journey no one should walk alone. Many Gold Star Spouses find comfort through connection with others who have experienced similar loss.
Dedicated, Ongoing Support
To ensure our Gold Star Spouses remain an integral part of the Marine Corps family, the Long-Term Assistance Program (LTAP) provides dedicated, ongoing support. LTAP offers Gold Star Spouses and surviving family members access to the resources, guidance, and services needed to navigate life after loss, fostering a community rooted in shared understanding and healing.
On Gold Star Spouses Day, and all days, we honor the spouses who carry the legacy of our heroes. Their courage and dignity are a living tribute, and we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to them.
To connect with the LTAP, surviving spouses and family members can email smb_ltap@usmc.mil or call 1-866-210-3421, ext.-2.