The Gold Medal of Remembrance is a very special memento that recognizes and honors the children who have recently lost a parent in Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom. It effectively reminds everyone that casualties are found on the home front as well as on the battlefield. Designed by the Institute of Heraldry, which provides special services to the US Armed Forces, federal agencies, and the Office of the President, this uniquely beautiful medal and its associated certificate are a truly special American tradition.

In the last two years, over 700 Gold Medals were presented to children of fallen service members from Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. The first 180 of these were imparted at the Time of Remembrance Tribute on the National Mall in Washington D.C in 2006. Others are being given at special ceremonies across the nation and overseas throughout the year. The Commission on Remembrance aims to ensure every child in our country who has lost a mother or father receives this precious medal.

“As my four grandchildren grow up and continue to grieve the loss of their father at different ages and levels of understanding, I have no doubt they will look back on this very special tribute with a warm feeling in their hearts. They will keep those medals in a place of honor, and whenever they take them out and hold them in their hands, they will think of their dad and they will know how much our nation cared and appreciated the huge sacrifice that he made.”
Nancy Hecker
Mother of Major William F. Hecker III

To apply for the Gold Medal of Remembrance program, please review the Gold Medal Criteria below and work with your Casualty Officer to determine if you are eligible.

Click here to learn more about the design and meaning of the Gold Medal of Remembrance