Gold Star Mother’s and Family’s Day

Today is Gold Star Mother’s and Family’s Day, a day of remembrance and a day to recognize the families who carry the loss of a loved one who died in service to our nation.

The Gold Star tradition reaches back to World War I, when families displayed service flags with a blue star representing each family member serving in the Armed Forces. When a service member died, the blue star was replaced by a gold star. From that tradition came the terms Gold Star Mother and Gold Star Family.

In 1936, Congress designated the last Sunday in September as Gold Star Mother’s Day. Over the years, the observance has broadened to recognize the families who have shared in that loss, and today we observe Gold Star Mother’s and Family’s Day.

Behind every Gold Star is a name, a life, and a family. The star represents a sacrifice that does not end when the ceremonies and honors are over. For the mothers, fathers, spouses, children, siblings and other family members left behind, that loss remains a part of their lives.

Today, the Air & Space Forces Association Palm Springs Chapter 134 joins communities across the nation in honoring our Gold Star Mothers and Families. We remember their loved ones and recognize the sacrifice of those who served and the families who carry their memory forward.

Their sacrifice. Our gratitude. Always.

Air Commandos Lunch Tomorrow July 29, 2026

Just a reminder that our Air Commandos Lunch is tomorrow, Wednesday, July 29, at 11:30 a.m. at ROC’s Firehouse Grille, 36891 Cook Street in Palm Desert.

The lunches are informal, friendly, no agenda, and a great opportunity to meet fellow members and guests over good food. There is no charge to attend. Simply pay for your own lunch and beverage. Whether you’re a long-time member, a veteran, currently serving, or simply interested in aviation, military history, and the Air and Space Forces, we would enjoy having you join us.

If this will be your first time attending, you’re especially welcome.

We hope to see you tomorrow!

If you’d like to learn how these lunches began and why they have become such a popular tradition for us, read The Story Behind Our Air Commandos Lunch. Thanks!

A New Way to Join the Air & Space Forces Association Free!

The Air & Space Forces Association has introduced something completely new.

For the first time, AFA now offers a free Mission Membership. This new membership makes it easier than ever for anyone with an interest in our Air Force, Space Force, aerospace, aviation, STEM education, or national security to become part of the AFA community. Again, membership is open to everyone.

Mission Membership provides access to AFA news, educational programs, webinars, research, national events, and local Chapter activities. Whether you have served in the military, work in aerospace, are a student, educator, or simply support the mission of the Air & Space Forces Association, there is now a place for you in AFA at absolutely no cost.

This is also a tremendous opportunity for AFA Palm Springs Chapter 134.

Every new member strengthens our Chapter and helps us expand our educational programs, CyberPatriot, community outreach, aerospace education, and partnerships throughout the Coachella Valley. The more members we have, the more we can accomplish.

If you are already an AFA member, thank you for your continued support.

If you know someone who has ever thought about joining AFA, now is the perfect time. Invite your family, friends, neighbors, fellow veterans, active duty military, educators, students, pilots, aviation enthusiasts, and anyone interested in aerospace and our nation’s defense.

Joining is easy.

Simply visit:

When completing your registration, please be sure to select Palm Springs Chapter 134. That simple step helps strengthen our local Chapter and ensures you receive information about our activities, meetings, educational programs, and special events.

It costs nothing.

It only takes a few minutes.

We look forward to welcoming many new members to AFA Palm Springs Chapter 134.

Thank You!