Sixteen landmarks across New York State will be illuminated in gold light on Sunday, September 28, to mark Gold Star Mothers and Families Day. The event is intended to honor families who have lost loved ones during military service.
Governor Kathy Hochul stated, “Our Gold Star Mothers and Families are courageous and resilient — they are relatives of New York’s bravest who made the ultimate sacrifice serving our country while protecting their neighbors. On this Gold Star Mothers and Families Day, we recommit ourselves to remembering those who dedicated themselves to service and country. We will never forget the shared sacrifices made by their families.”
Viviana M. DeCohen, Commissioner of the New York State Department of Veterans’ Services, added, “Thanks to Governor Hochul’s steadfast leadership and support, New York State is once again honoring the extraordinary courage of our Gold Star Mothers and Gold Star Families. As these signature state landmarks shine in gold, they reflect the enduring light of the sons and daughters who made the ultimate sacrifice — and the families who carry their legacies forward with grace, strength, and unwavering love. May these beams of gold remind all New Yorkers of the service, sacrifice, and continued commitment of our Gold Star Families.”
The landmarks set for illumination include One World Trade Center, Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, Kosciuszko Bridge, H. Carl McCall SUNY Building, State Education Building, Alfred E. Smith State Office Building, Empire State Plaza, State Fairgrounds – Main Gate & Expo Center, Niagara Falls, Franklin D. Roosevelt Mid-Hudson Bridge, Grand Central Terminal – Pershing Square Viaduct, Albany International Airport Gateway, MTA LIRR – East End Gateway at Penn Station, Fairport Lift Bridge over the Erie Canal, Moynihan Train Hall and Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park.
Gold Star Mothers and Families Day has been observed annually since 1936 on the last Sunday in September as a day to remember those who have lost family members in military service.
New York has longstanding programs for supporting these families such as the Gold Star Parent Annuity program and Military Enhanced Recognition Incentive and Tribute (MERIT) Scholarship. These initiatives aim to provide ongoing assistance while preserving memories of those lost.
Recently enacted changes expanded eligibility for New York’s Gold Star Families Annuity program to include families of service members who died in both combat and non-combat situations. This expansion also increases access for spouses and children whose loved ones were killed in action—a change long requested by advocacy groups such as DVS and American Gold Star Mothers’ New York Chapter.
The measure became law through Governor Hochul’s leadership as part of the 2025 Executive Budget.
Families seeking more information about eligibility or applications for benefits can visit https://veterans.ny.gov/gold-star-families-annuity-program or call 1-888-838-7697 for further details about supportive resources available.
