09/04/2026
We continually see information shared about the different military family stars and service banners. Sometimes it is meant to educate. Sometimes it leads to comparison. And sometimes it shows just how much confusion there is about what each recognition actually means.
So we wanted to share the differences, because they are different. Blue Star, Gold Star, Green Star, Silver Star, and White Star do not all have the same history, purpose, eligibility or legal recognition.
But there is something at the heart of every one of them: Families.
Families serving alongside someone in uniform.
Families caring for someone who came home changed.
Families grieving someone they love.
Families trying to make sure that person's life, service and sacrifice are remembered.
Green Star was created because there is a group of those families who often struggle to know where they belong: families who have lost a Veteran to su***de.
We are not trying to replace another recognition or diminish another family's loss. We are not trying to compare one type of death with another. We are saying that these families deserve to be recognized too. That is why Green Star is needed. We hope this graphic helps explain the differences between these recognitions while also reminding us of what they have in common.
Behind every star is a family. And every family deserves to be seen.
***deaprevention
