Children of Fallen Patriots Day – May. 13, 2027

Children of Fallen Patriots Day
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AppreciationAwarenessChildren
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United States
Date change rule:
Every May 13
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Children of Fallen Patriots Day honors the profound sacrifice of military children every May 13. This solemn observance recognizes young individuals who have lost a parent in the line of duty, acknowledging their unique challenges and resilience. Support Gold Star scholars through donations, mentorship, or by raising awareness for their educational needs.

Want to sponsor Children of Fallen Patriots Day? Learn how

Expected Children of Fallen Patriots Day Deals

Children of Fallen Patriots Day isn’t about commercial deals, but rather about rallying support for Gold Star scholars. Organizations like the Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation provide vital educational scholarships and counseling. Expect to see calls for donations and awareness campaigns from military support groups such as TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors) and the Fisher House Foundation. Corporate partners, including defense contractors like Lockheed Martin and financial services providers like USAA, often match donations or highlight their year-round programs for military families. Look for opportunities to contribute directly to scholarship funds or participate in memorial events. We will update this page with confirmed live initiatives as May 13 approaches.

Platform Guide for Children of Fallen Patriots Day

LinkedIn

Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #FallenPatriotsDay. Share stories of resilience from Gold Star scholars and highlight corporate support initiatives.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #FallenPatriotsDay. Share resources, honor fallen heroes, and amplify messages from military support organizations.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #FallenPatriotsDay. Post tributes to fallen service members and share ways to support their children.

Social Media Tips for Children of Fallen Patriots Day

Individuals

Wear a gold star pin or share a message of remembrance on social media to acknowledge the sacrifices of Gold Star children and their families.

Creators

Produce a short video or photo essay highlighting the stories of Gold Star scholars, focusing on their resilience and educational aspirations. Partner with a military support non-profit.

Brands

Launch a donation-matching campaign for the Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation, or dedicate a portion of sales on May 13 to support educational scholarships for military children.

Organizations & Brands for Children of Fallen Patriots Day

  1. Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation

    Founded in 2002 by David and Cynthia Kim, the Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation provides college scholarships and educational counseling to military children who have lost a parent in the line of duty. They have provided over $62 million in scholarships to more than 2,500 students since their inception.

  2. TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors)

    Established in 1994, TAPS offers compassionate care and support to those grieving the loss of a military loved one. They provide peer-based emotional support, grief and trauma resources, and a national network of care for all who are grieving.

  3. Fisher House Foundation

    Founded in 1990, the Fisher House Foundation builds comfort homes where military and veteran families can stay free of charge while a loved one is in the hospital. These homes are located at major military and VA medical centers nationwide and in Europe.

  4. USAA

    Founded in 1922 by a group of Army officers, USAA provides insurance, banking, and investment products and services to members of the U.S. military and their families. They are a significant supporter of military charities and initiatives, including those aiding Gold Star families.

  5. Lockheed Martin

    A global aerospace, defense, and security company, Lockheed Martin is a major employer of veterans and often supports military families through various philanthropic initiatives. They frequently partner with organizations that provide aid and scholarships to military children.

  6. Boeing

    As one of the world's largest aerospace companies, Boeing has a long history of supporting military personnel and their families. Through grants and employee volunteerism, they contribute to programs that assist Gold Star families and promote STEM education for military children.

  7. American Gold Star Mothers, Inc.

    Founded in 1928, this organization comprises mothers who have lost a son or daughter in the service of the United States. They provide support to other Gold Star families, promote patriotism, and engage in volunteer service at veterans' hospitals.

Children of Fallen Patriots Day Hero

David and Cynthia Kim

David and Cynthia Kim founded the Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation in 2002 after learning that thousands of children of fallen service members were not receiving adequate financial support for college. David, a former Army officer, and Cynthia, a passionate advocate, committed themselves to ensuring these Gold Star scholars receive the education they deserve. Their dedication has transformed the lives of thousands of military children, honoring their parents' sacrifice through educational opportunity.

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.

How Businesses Can Celebrate Children of Fallen Patriots Day

Local businesses can honor Children of Fallen Patriots Day by hosting fundraising events or dedicating a portion of May 13 sales to military scholarship funds. Consider partnering with the Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation or a local veterans’ organization to amplify your impact. Display a gold star in your window, share educational resources about Gold Star families, or offer a special recognition to Gold Star family members in your community, demonstrating genuine support for their profound sacrifice.

Children of Fallen Patriots Day FAQs

When is Children of Fallen Patriots Day?

In 2027, Children of Fallen Patriots Day is observed on Thursday, May 13, as communities nationwide unite to support Gold Star scholars.

What is the Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation?

Dedicated to supporting military families, the Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation has awarded over $62 million in scholarships to more than 2,500 students since its inception. They aim to bridge the funding gap for higher education for those who have lost a parent in the line of duty.

Why is May 13 significant for this observance?

The date May 13 symbolically links the observance to Arlington National Cemetery, a sacred ground for military remembrance. It underscores the historical context of military sacrifice and the ongoing commitment to support the families left behind.

What does 'Gold Star family' mean?

The ‘Gold Star’ designation is a solemn honor, recognizing the ultimate sacrifice made by a service member and the profound loss experienced by their family. It signifies a family’s enduring connection to their fallen hero and their place within a supportive community.

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
2027 May 13 Thursday
2028 May 13 Saturday
2029 May 13 Sunday
2030 May 13 Monday
2031 May 13 Tuesday