By CAPT (ret) Mary Smart (HI), NFRW Armed Services Committee
Children whose military parent died in combat suffer a great deprivation that most youths will never have to experience. In the past 25 years, this community has grown to over 15,000 children. In honor of these children, at least 27 States and the District of Columbia have issued Proclamations for Children of Fallen Patriots Day on May 13th, recognizing their resilience in overcoming adversity and appreciating their sacrifice.
The Fallen Patriots Foundation was established in honor of Sergeant William Delaney Gibbs who was killed in action during Operation Just Cause in Panama, widowing his wife and unborn daughter. The foundation provides college scholarships and educational counseling to the children of the fallen. Scholarships were awarded to Gold Star Scholars from all 50 states representing all the military service branches.
According to the founder of the Fallen Patriots Foundation, David Kim, the best way to acknowledge those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation is to invest in their children’s future. Several corporations sponsor this mission with educational benefits, internships, and job placement for scholarship recipients.
Those who wish to support this foundation should go on line to donate.