MARQUETTE — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has recognized this month as Gold Star Awareness Month “to honor and recognize the sacrifice that all Gold Star families make when a father, mother, brother, sister, son, daughter or spouse dies in active service to our nation,” officials said in an announcement.

“This month, we honor those who lost a family member in the United States Armed Forces and extend our gratitude for the sacrifices made by our Gold Star families,” Whitmer said in a statement. “Michiganders remember our fallen heroes and stand together in support of our Gold Star families so they know their sacrifice is not forgotten.”

The Gold Star symbol originated during World War I, as families hung banners with blue stars to represent an immediate family member serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. The blue star was replaced with a gold star to signify a family member who died in combat.

“No one has given more to our nation than our service members lost in combat and the Gold Star families left behind,” said U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Paul D. Rogers, adjutant general and director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, in a statement. “These heroes paid the ultimate sacrifice in order to protect our freedoms and we remain in service to their families as they carry on with courage and dignity despite their devastating loss.”

The Michigan National Guard Family Programs Office provides support and care for service members and families of the Michigan National Guard. Gold Star families can learn more about the Gold Star Family Support Program by contacting 1-888-MICH-FAM.