Children of Fallen Patriots Day is observed on May 13 every year. The day aims to honor the pain and sacrifice of children who have lost a parent to martyrdom. The objective is to appreciate the young individuals who live tragically altered lives due to a parent passing away in the line of duty. Children of Fallen Patriots Day was established by the Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation in 2014, an organization that provides financial education and educational counseling to Gold Star scholars who have a martyred parent. May 13 was chosen as Children of Fallen Patriots Day because it was the day the Arlington National Cemetery was established in 1864.
History of Children of Fallen Patriots Day
The U.S. Armed Forces consist of the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard. The U.S. Armed Forces originated back on June 14, 1775, when the Continental Army was formed before the Declaration of Independence and the consequent establishment of the U.S. The Continental Navy and the Continental Marines were established soon after to aid in the American Revolutionary War. These forces were eventually dismantled after the Revolution. The U.S. Army, Navy, and Marine Forces were set up between 1784 and 1798. The President of the U.S. was situated as the Commander-in-Chief of the entirety of the Armed Forces. The U.S. Coast Guard was formed in 1790 as the Revenue Cutter Service. The U.S. Air Force was set up on September 18, 1947. The U.S. Space Force was established in December 2019 as the first new branch of the U.S. military in over 72 years. Before this, the Air Force Space Command functioned as a major command of the Air Force.The individuals who form the Armed Forces risk losing their lives in the line of duty. These martyrs may often leave behind families, especially children. Children of Fallen Patriots Day aims to honor the pain and sacrifice of children who have lost a parent to martyrdom. The objective is to appreciate the young individuals who live tragically altered lives due to a parent passing away in the line of duty.Children of Fallen Patriots Day was established by the Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation in 2014, an organization that provides financial education and educational counseling to Gold Star scholars who have a martyred parent. May 13 was chosen as Children of Fallen Patriots Day because it was the day the Arlington National Cemetery was established in 1864.
Children of Fallen Patriots Day timeline
The Continental Army is formed to help fight the Revolutionary War.
The U.S. Army is established.
The Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation observes the first Children of Fallen Patriots Day on May 13.
The Space Force is set up in December.
Children of Fallen Patriots Day FAQs
How big is the U.S. military?
In 2022, there are about 1.4 million military personnel on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Which country has the Largest Military?
China has the largest active military in the world.
How many armed forces does the U.S. have?
The U.S. has six military branches.
How to Observe Children of Fallen Patriots Day
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Learn about the issue
Never heard of Children of Fallen Patriots Day? Research military deaths and the impact it has on the families of these martyrs.
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Talk about it on social media
Create awareness about this day of remembrance. You can use your social media handles to talk about this important topic.
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Donate
If it’s within your means, donate to the Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation. This will help further the cause greatly.
5 Facts About Military Children
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They struggle with mental health
Nearly one in four report having suicidal thoughts while 30% say they regularly feel sad or hopeless.
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Growing up without a parent
About two million children have had to do with at least one parent deployed to another country at least once.
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Dealing with multiple deployments
Slightly less than a million children have faced the deployment of one or both parents multiple times.
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Feeling constantly worried
About 37% of children with a deployed parent or parents say they constantly think about and worry about the safety of their loved ones.
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Their lives are constantly destabilized
Because military families relocate 10 times more than regular families, the children do not get a chance to sink roots and they are constantly making changes.
Why Children of Fallen Patriots Day is Important
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It honors lost loved ones
Soldiers who lost their lives in the line of duty also happened to be loved ones to many people. The day honors those who were martyred during military duty.
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It raises awareness about the pain of children of these martyrs
The pain felt by children of these fallen soldiers is not frequently spoken about. Children of Fallen Patriots Day brings attention to it.
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It aims to support these children
The Children of Fallen Patriots Day brings attention to these children. It also helps raise funds for their college education.
Children of Fallen Patriots Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | May 13 | Saturday |
| 2024 | May 13 | Monday |
| 2025 | May 13 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | May 13 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | May 13 | Thursday |
