The National Gold Star Family Registry is a 21st Century Memorial that utilizes the latest in technology to provide a searchable, scalable database of America’s fallen Heroes since WWII. The Registry is accessible to all Americans from homes, classrooms, libraries, or anywhere with Internet access.
The technical infrastructure permits the public to search the Registry using a variety of criteria. Family members, friends and comrades can tell the story of their hero by adding written tributes, which the Registry will preserve for future generations. Like never before, American’s will be able to get a sense of who these brave men and women were, the cause for which they died, and—most importantly—how they lived.
Frequently asked Questions
ABOUT THE NATIONAL GOLD STAR FAMILY REGISTRY
What is a Gold Star Family?
Gold Star families are those who have lost a loved one as the result of military service to our nation.
How is the Registry supported?
This project is
supported by the generous contributions of Patriotic Americans who
believe in this needed resource. Please considering donating today.
Who operates the Regsitry?
This Registry is a
project of Families United, one of the country’s largest
organizations of Gold Star and Blue Star families.
SEARCHING THE REGISTRY
Why can’t I find my Hero’s name?
If you are considered a Gold Star family, but can’t find the name of your fallen Hero, please contact the Registry and we can research your request.
Why are search results limited? What if I need a bigger list for research purposes?
To maintain the
functionality of the site, search results are limited to 500 Heroes.
If you need a list that is more than 500 for research purposes we
will be happy to evaluate your request. Please contact us for more
information.
I searched for someone using information I know is right, but did not get the results I expected. Why?
There are a number of reasons that you might not have received the results that you expected. The Registry only has a limited amount of data for those who died in some conflicts, including our largest—World War II. It is possible that you used information that the Registry does not yet have. In that case, we would appreciate your help in filling in missing information about each hero.
PROFILE AND TRIBUTES
Where did the profile information come from?
The information in the Registry is compiled from a number of different public sources including the Department of Defense and the National Archives. Until now, there has not been a comprehensive list of America’s fallen Heroes.
Something is wrong in my Hero’s profile. Can I change it?
It is important to protect the information in the Registry, therefore only the closest next of kin who have joined the site have “editing rights,” which allows them to edit profile information. If you do not have editing rights but still feel there is an error, please contact us.
I was able to edit information in my Hero’s profile a few days ago, but can’t anymore. Why?
Editing rights--the ability to edit profile information--are limited to the closest next of kin who have joined the site. It is possible that since your last visit, someone who is a closer next of kin has joined and now has the editing rights.
Who is making edits to my Hero’s profile?
Editor rights are
given to the closest next of kin who have joined the site.
Why doesn’t my Hero have a picture?
Unfortunately, the
Registry does not have photographs for each Hero. The photos
currently in the Registry were uploaded by those with editing rights.
If you have editing rights, you can upload a photo to your Hero’s
profile.
How do I add a tribute?
To add a tribute for
your Hero, click the “Write A Tribute” button on your Hero’s
profile page and follow the on-screen instructions.
What kind of information do I put in a tribute?
The Registry is a unique memorial that allows American’s to learn not only how they died, but also how they lived. You are welcome to share personal memories and stories in your tribute, but remember that what you write is public and anyone can read it.
What kind of information is not allowed in a tribute?
The registry is a memorial to our nation’s fallen Heroes and should be respected as such. Any language that is deemed inappropriate or offensive by the National Gold Star Family Registry will be removed.
How do I change my tribute?
To change your tribute, first log in to your account and then navigate to your tribute on your Hero’s profile page. Click the “edit” link below your tribute.
ABUSE
Someone that I don’t know posted a tribute on my Hero’s page, what can I do?
You might not know everyone who posts a tribute. Keep in mind that other people, like friends and fellow service members, might also want to remember your Hero. The Registry is an opportunity for many people to share their stories and memories about our country’s fallen Heroes. If you are confident that someone posted a tribute in error, please contact us.
I see something inappropriate on a Hero’s page, who do I tell?
The National Gold Star Family Registry will not tolerate inappropriate, disrespectful, or profane content. To report such abuse, please click the “report abuse” link on any Hero page and it will be investigated.
