Fort Riley Honors Kansas Gold Star Families During Annual Remembrance Ceremony

TOPEKA, Kan. — Service members, veterans, families and community leaders gathered at the Kansas State Capitol in Topeka, Kansas, Sept. 24, 2026, for the Annual Gold Star Families Remembrance Ceremony, honoring fallen service members and the families who carry on their legacies. Hosted by the Kansas Office of Veterans Services, the Annual Gold Star Families Remembrance Ceremony recognized the sacrifices made by Gold Star families and reinforced the importance of preserving the memory of those who died while serving the nation.

The term “Gold Star Family” traces its roots to World War I, when families displayed service flags featuring a blue star for each immediate family member serving in the U.S. armed forces. When a service member died, the blue star was replaced with a gold star, symbolizing the family’s loss and sacrifice. The tradition has endured for more than a century as a national symbol of remembrance and recognition for families who have lost loved ones through military service.

Retired U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Perry Wiggins, executive director of the Governor’s Military Council and former commanding general of the 1st Infantry Division, attended the Annual Gold Star Families Remembrance Ceremony as a distinguished guest. Wiggins previously advocated for establishing a Gold Star Family Memorial on the Kansas Statehouse grounds. “Every member who joins the fight to protect our liberties becomes part of something greater than themselves,” Wiggins said. “Our strength has always come from those willing to serve, sacrifice and stand together in defense of the freedoms we hold dear.” Wiggins’ remarks reflected a central message of the Annual Gold Star Families Remembrance Ceremony: military sacrifice extends beyond those who wear the uniform.

Gold Star families continue to carry the memories of their loved ones while preserving their stories and legacies for future generations. Members of the 1st Infantry Division also participated in the Annual Gold Star Families Remembrance Ceremony, connecting today’s Soldiers with generations of service members and families who came before them.

U.S. Army Chaplain Andrew Barclay, Brigade Chaplain for 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division said honoring the fallen is among a chaplains most sacred duties. “It’s important to recognize those we’ve lost, honor their families and maintain our promise that they will never be forgotten.” Barclay’s remarks reinforced the division's commitment to remembering fallen service members while continuing to honor and support the families who carry their legacies forward.

The Annual Gold Star Families Remembrance Ceremony served as a reminder that while the lives of fallen service members may have ended, their service and sacrifice continue to be remembered through the families, communities and fellow service members who carry their legacies forward.

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