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TueMay 13

Children of Fallen Patriots Day – May 13, 2025

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

1775
The Continental Army

The Continental Army is formed to help fight the Revolutionary War.

1784
The U.S. Army is Set-Up

The U.S. Army is established.

2014
The First Observance

The Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation observes the first Children of Fallen Patriots Day on May 13.

2019
The U.S. Space Force

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

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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

  1. They struggle with mental health

    Nearly one in four report having suicidal thoughts while 30% say they regularly feel sad or hopeless.

  2. 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.

  3. Dealing with multiple deployments

    Slightly less than a million children have faced the deployment of one or both parents multiple times.

  4. 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.

  5. 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

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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
2025 May 13 Tuesday
2026 May 13 Wednesday
2027 May 13 Thursday
2028 May 13 Saturday
2029 May 13 Sunday
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
 

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