WWI Gold Star Medal Returned to Soldier's Family After a Century

The Gold Star Mothers and Widows Pilgrimage Medal

• 🏅 A Gold Star Mothers and Widows Pilgrimage Medal was returned to the family of Joseph William Morrison, a Private First Class in the US Army during World War I.
• 💔 Joseph Morrison was killed in action in France, becoming one of over 100,000 Americans to die in the Great War.
• ✈️ His mother received the medal in 1933 after visiting his grave in France, a part of a pilgrimage for families of fallen service members.

Symbolism of the Gold Star

• 🌟 The Gold Star symbol originated during World War I, with families displaying banners featuring blue stars for loved ones serving.
• 🎗️ A blue star was changed to gold if the service member died in the line of duty, symbolizing sacrifice.

Rediscovery and Return

• 🔒 The Morrison family kept the medal for decades until it ended up in an unclaimed safe deposit box.
• 🏛️ It was later found in a vault at the Pennsylvania State Treasury, safeguarding various military artifacts.
• 🤝 State Treasurer Stacy Gerity, a veteran herself, emphasized the personal importance of returning such priceless items to families.
• 📍 Officials successfully tracked down Joseph Morrison's relatives, returning the medal at a gathering in Schuylkill County, ensuring their family's sacrifice is no longer forgotten.