CHILDREN OF FALLEN PATRIOTS DAY

Every year on May 13th, we observe Children of Fallen Patriots Day to honor the children who have lost parents in military conflict. This day is dedicated to raising awareness of the sacrifices these children endure in the wake of their parents' deaths. Since its inception, the day serves as a reminder of the ongoing support needed to help these families move forward.

Although not officially recognized as a national day of remembrance, since 2014, governors from 27 states and the District of Columbia have issued proclamations to observe the day. Notably, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf and Hawaii Governor David Ige have expressed their commitment to honoring these children, highlighting a collective effort to recognize their loss.

Efforts continue to encourage more states to officially recognize this important day. By raising awareness, the Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation hopes that one day, May 13th will be nationally celebrated as a day of remembrance.

Expanding Awareness

Since 2014, the foundation has actively sought to raise awareness by collaborating with city governments nationwide. Several cities, including Austin, Charlotte, Columbus, Dallas, Jacksonville, and Washington, D.C., have issued proclamations to recognize the day. Additionally, support has come from corporate partners such as Citibank, IHOP, PepsiCo, and many others.

How to Observe Children Of Fallen Patriots Day

On May 13th, take a moment to honor the children of fallen patriots by sharing their stories, supporting military family charities, or participating in local observances. Use the hashtag #ChildrenOfFallenPatriotsDay to spread awareness on social media.

History of Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation

The Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation was founded in 2002 by David Kim, inspired by the sacrifice of Sergeant William Delaney Gibbs, who was killed in action during Operation Just Cause in Panama in 1989. Since then, the foundation has dedicated itself to providing college scholarships and educational counseling to Gold Star scholars — children who have lost parents in military conflict.

Kim, who served with Sergeant Gibbs, established the foundation to help ease the burden of paying for a college education. Today, scholarships are awarded to Gold Star scholars in all 50 states and across all branches of the military.

Children of Fallen Patriots Day was established to both honor these children and shed light on the struggles they face. The date of May 13 was chosen because it marks the establishment of Arlington National Cemetery in 1864. Over the past 25 years, more than 15,000 children have lost a parent in military service.