In honor of Gold Star Families across the country, the Borough of Hatboro is constructing one of the country’s first Gold Star Gardens in Miller Meadow. This Garden on York Road will honor families whose loved ones paid the ultimate sacrifice to our country while also paying tribute to Veterans and those currently serving in our Military.

The term Gold Star Family is a modern reference that comes from the Service Flag in which these flags were first flown by families during World War I.

The flag included a blue star for every immediate family member serving in the armed forces of the United States, during any period of war or hostilities in which the armed forces of the United States were engaged. If that loved one died, the blue star was replaced by a gold star and doing this allowed the community to know the price that the family had paid in the cause of freedom.

The United States began observing Gold Star Mother’s Day on the last Sunday in September, in 1936 and today the nation recognizes the sacrifice that all Gold Star Family members make when a father, mother, brother, sister, son, daughter, or other loved one dies in service to our nation.

The Borough of Hatboro and American Legion Auxiliary, Post 798, have partnered together for the Gold Star Family Memorial Garden project which will be located at Miller Meadow in Hatboro.

The inspiration to initiate this project was when Mr. Charles Strange, Gold Star father and founder of The Michael Strange Foundation, held an event at Miller Meadow last year for Family members. His mission for this foundation is to provide unconditional support and services to families of recently fallen service members.

To help raise funds for this project, which will be 100% funded through donations, a Beef and Beer will be held on June 10, 2022, at the Warminster VFW in Warminster, PA.

They are seeking in-kind donations to raffle off at this event and all monies raised will go to the construction of the garden. All donations are greatly appreciated from the Borough of Hatboro and the American Legion Auxiliary, Post 798.

Want more information on sponsorships or how to get involved? Contact Cindy Bollendorf at Borough Hall: 215-443-9100 or cbollendorf@myhatboro.org.