From the NFRW Armed Services Committee

May 13 is the day we honor the sacrifice and resilience of our most vulnerable assets, the children of fallen patriots. These children, some who were born after the death of the parent, deal with this loss every day.

May 13 was selected as Children of Fallen Patriots Day because it is also the day Arlington National Cemetery was established in 1864. This final resting place for many war heroes serves as a reminder of their sacrifices.

This is currently not a federally recognized day. Only 27 states and the District of Columbia have recognized this day. The Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation is working to get the other 23 states to recognize this important day. The other main goal is to identify and support Gold Star scholars by providing financial assistance and educational counseling. 

Check online to see if your state recognizes Children of Fallen Patriots Day on May 13. If not, reach out to your legislators and generate some interest. Maybe one day this will be a nationally-recognized day.