JOIN US
The American Gold Star Mothers, Inc. warmly invites you to join us for Gold Star Mothers Weekend 2026 in our nation's capital.
This meaningful weekend brings together Gold Star Mothers, families, friends, and supporters from across the country to honor the lives and legacies of our Heroes through remembrance, fellowship, and service. Whether you are attending for the first time or returning to reconnect with sisters and
friends, we look forward to sharing this special time with you.
➡️ Register Now
The American Gold Star Mothers, Inc. warmly invites you to join us for Gold Star Mothers Weekend 2026 in our nation's capital.
This meaningful weekend brings together Gold Star Mothers, families, friends, and supporters from across the country to honor the lives and legacies of our Heroes through remembrance, fellowship, and service. Whether you are attending for the first time or returning to reconnect with sisters and
friends, we look forward to sharing this special time with you.
➡️ Register Now
WEEKEND AT A GLANCE
Friday, September 25
6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Open House
American Gold Star Mothers National Headquarters
Dinner provided by Mission BBQ
Saturday, September 26
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Suicide Awareness Walk
National Mall
6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Annual Gold Star Mothers Banquet
Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel
Sunday, September 27
10:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Visit the Sacred Soil Marker for the Ceremony of the Wheat
11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Wreath Laying Ceremony & Commemoration Service
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Arlington National Cemetery
Friday, September 25
6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Open House
American Gold Star Mothers National Headquarters
Dinner provided by Mission BBQ
Saturday, September 26
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Suicide Awareness Walk
National Mall
6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Annual Gold Star Mothers Banquet
Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel
Sunday, September 27
10:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Visit the Sacred Soil Marker for the Ceremony of the Wheat
11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Wreath Laying Ceremony & Commemoration Service
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Arlington National Cemetery
ACCOMMODATIONS
The Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel is the official host hotel for Gold Star Mothers Weekend.
Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel
900 South Orme Street
Arlington, VA 22204
Conveniently located just minutes from Arlington National Cemetery, the Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel will serve as the transportation hub for events American Gold Star Mothers is providing transportation for.
Hotel Rates
Hotel Reservations
Reserve your room online using the Hotel Reservation Link or call 703-521-1900 and mention Gold Star Mothers Weekend GSMGSMB to receive the group rate. Deadline is September 4th, 2026.
The discounted room rate is available for stays between September 24–28, 2026.
If your travel dates fall outside those dates, please make separate reservations. Upon arrival, notify the front desk that you have multiple reservations so they can merge them into one stay, allowing you to remain in the same room.
Staying at Another Hotel?
You are welcome to stay wherever you choose and still participate in all weekend events.
Guests staying elsewhere may:
The Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel is the official host hotel for Gold Star Mothers Weekend.
Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel
900 South Orme Street
Arlington, VA 22204
Conveniently located just minutes from Arlington National Cemetery, the Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel will serve as the transportation hub for events American Gold Star Mothers is providing transportation for.
Hotel Rates
- Traditional Double Room: $139 per night
- Standard King Room: $136 per night
- Parking: $15 per night
- Complimentary airport shuttle available
Hotel Reservations
Reserve your room online using the Hotel Reservation Link or call 703-521-1900 and mention Gold Star Mothers Weekend GSMGSMB to receive the group rate. Deadline is September 4th, 2026.
The discounted room rate is available for stays between September 24–28, 2026.
If your travel dates fall outside those dates, please make separate reservations. Upon arrival, notify the front desk that you have multiple reservations so they can merge them into one stay, allowing you to remain in the same room.
Staying at Another Hotel?
You are welcome to stay wherever you choose and still participate in all weekend events.
Guests staying elsewhere may:
- Use transportation departing from the Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel, or
- Arrange their own transportation.
WEEKEND EVENTS
Friday, September 25
Open House at American Gold Star Mothers National Headquarters
6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
2128 Leroy Place NW
Washington, DC 20008
Join us for a tour of our National Headquarters. Spend time with members of the National Executive Board, reconnect with friends, meet Gold Star Mothers from across the country, and enjoy dinner provided by Mission BBQ.
Transportation will be provided by the member.
Suggested Attire: Casual
Saturday, September 26
Suicide Awareness Walk
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
National Mall - Meet at the Lincoln Memorial
Join fellow Gold Star families as we walk together in honor of our loved ones, raise awareness for suicide prevention, and promote hope and healing within our military and veteran communities.
Complimentary transportation will be provided from the Pentagon City Sheraton Hotel to the Lincoln Memorial, where the walk will begin.
Following the walk, you are encouraged to spend the remainder of the day exploring Washington, D.C., at your own pace. Transportation back to the hotel will be the responsibility of each attendee.
While you're in the area, consider visiting some of our nation's most iconic landmarks. Many attractions, including the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial Undercroft (NEW) offer timed-entry tickets. We encourage you to purchase tickets in advance through Recreation.gov by searching for the attraction you wish to visit.
Annual Gold Star Mothers Banquet
6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel
Join us for an inspiring evening of remembrance, fellowship, and celebration.
Please bring a framed photograph of your Hero to be displayed on the Hero's Table, a beautiful tribute honoring those we cherish.
Suggested Attire: Semi-formal or military uniform.
Sunday, September 27
Visit the Sacred Soil Marker for the Ceremony of the Wheat
10:00 a.m.
Sacred Soil Marker, Arlington National Cemetery
Join us as we gather at the Sacred Soil Marker for the Ceremony of the Wheat.
The Sacred Soil Markers contain soil collected from World War I battlefields in France. They serve as a tangible reminder of the sacrifices made by those who gave their lives in service to our nation. For many Gold Star Families, these markers hold special significance, representing those whose final resting place remains on foreign soil--"those whose graves are made of wounded earth."
This moving ceremony offers a moment of reflection, remembrance, and gratitude as we honor the enduring legacy of our nation's fallen heroes.
Wreath Laying Ceremony & Commemoration Service
11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Arlington National Cemetery
Participants should be in place no later than 11:45 a.m.
At 12:15 p.m., American Gold Star Mothers will place a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in honor of Gold Star Mothers—past and present. Immediately following the wreath laying, the Commemoration Service will take place on the lawn or in Memorial Amphitheater, weather permitting.
Following the service, attendees are invited to participate in:
Suggested Attire: Business Whites or military uniform.
Friday, September 25
Open House at American Gold Star Mothers National Headquarters
6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
2128 Leroy Place NW
Washington, DC 20008
Join us for a tour of our National Headquarters. Spend time with members of the National Executive Board, reconnect with friends, meet Gold Star Mothers from across the country, and enjoy dinner provided by Mission BBQ.
Transportation will be provided by the member.
Suggested Attire: Casual
Saturday, September 26
Suicide Awareness Walk
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
National Mall - Meet at the Lincoln Memorial
Join fellow Gold Star families as we walk together in honor of our loved ones, raise awareness for suicide prevention, and promote hope and healing within our military and veteran communities.
Complimentary transportation will be provided from the Pentagon City Sheraton Hotel to the Lincoln Memorial, where the walk will begin.
Following the walk, you are encouraged to spend the remainder of the day exploring Washington, D.C., at your own pace. Transportation back to the hotel will be the responsibility of each attendee.
While you're in the area, consider visiting some of our nation's most iconic landmarks. Many attractions, including the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial Undercroft (NEW) offer timed-entry tickets. We encourage you to purchase tickets in advance through Recreation.gov by searching for the attraction you wish to visit.
Annual Gold Star Mothers Banquet
6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel
Join us for an inspiring evening of remembrance, fellowship, and celebration.
Please bring a framed photograph of your Hero to be displayed on the Hero's Table, a beautiful tribute honoring those we cherish.
Suggested Attire: Semi-formal or military uniform.
Sunday, September 27
Visit the Sacred Soil Marker for the Ceremony of the Wheat
10:00 a.m.
Sacred Soil Marker, Arlington National Cemetery
Join us as we gather at the Sacred Soil Marker for the Ceremony of the Wheat.
The Sacred Soil Markers contain soil collected from World War I battlefields in France. They serve as a tangible reminder of the sacrifices made by those who gave their lives in service to our nation. For many Gold Star Families, these markers hold special significance, representing those whose final resting place remains on foreign soil--"those whose graves are made of wounded earth."
This moving ceremony offers a moment of reflection, remembrance, and gratitude as we honor the enduring legacy of our nation's fallen heroes.
Wreath Laying Ceremony & Commemoration Service
11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Arlington National Cemetery
Participants should be in place no later than 11:45 a.m.
At 12:15 p.m., American Gold Star Mothers will place a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in honor of Gold Star Mothers—past and present. Immediately following the wreath laying, the Commemoration Service will take place on the lawn or in Memorial Amphitheater, weather permitting.
Following the service, attendees are invited to participate in:
- Gold Star Mothers Tree Marker Flower Tribute
Suggested Attire: Business Whites or military uniform.
TRANSPORTATION
Transportation is one of our highest priorities, and we are pleased to provide several options for attendees.
Shuttle Service
American Gold Star Mothers will provide transportation between the Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel and Arlington National Cemetery on Sunday.
Ride Share & Taxi
Uber, Lyft, taxis, and other ride-share services may drop off and pick up passengers at the East Side Visitor Center of Arlington National Cemetery.
Personal Vehicles
Guests who wish to drive directly to Arlington National Cemetery may park in the cemetery parking garage.
After clearing the security checkpoint, a bus will depart from the Welcome Center at approximately 9:30 a.m. to transport guests to the Sacred Soil Marker for the Ceremony of the Wheat.
Guests who are driving themselves and do not wish to attend the Ceremony of the Wheat may take the tram from the Welcome Center directly to Memorial Amphitheater after clearing security.
Additional transportation details will be emailed to all registered attendees during the week of September 21, 2026.
Transportation is one of our highest priorities, and we are pleased to provide several options for attendees.
Shuttle Service
American Gold Star Mothers will provide transportation between the Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel and Arlington National Cemetery on Sunday.
- Departure from Hotel: Approximately 9:15 a.m.
- Return to Hotel: Approximately 2:30 p.m.
Ride Share & Taxi
Uber, Lyft, taxis, and other ride-share services may drop off and pick up passengers at the East Side Visitor Center of Arlington National Cemetery.
Personal Vehicles
Guests who wish to drive directly to Arlington National Cemetery may park in the cemetery parking garage.
After clearing the security checkpoint, a bus will depart from the Welcome Center at approximately 9:30 a.m. to transport guests to the Sacred Soil Marker for the Ceremony of the Wheat.
Guests who are driving themselves and do not wish to attend the Ceremony of the Wheat may take the tram from the Welcome Center directly to Memorial Amphitheater after clearing security.
Additional transportation details will be emailed to all registered attendees during the week of September 21, 2026.
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REGISTRATION
Banquet Tickets: $75 per person All attendees must register to participate in weekend activities. Registration Deadline: September 11, 2026 ➡️ Register Now |
Questions?
For additional information, please contact: Tammy Pulaski National Service Officer American Gold Star Mothers, Inc. Email: [email protected] |