Reston, VA – To salute the sacrifice of military children who have lost a parent in the line of duty, May 13 has officially been proclaimed Children of Fallen Patriots Day. This date shows appreciation for the young people whose lives were forever changed in support of their parents’ service to our country. Too often, this tremendous sacrifice is overlooked, which is why Children of Fallen Patriots Day was created to applaud their resilience and strength.
Elizabeth O’Hare is one of nearly 20,000 children who has lost a parent in the line of duty over the past 35 years. Her father was killed in a T-38A Talon jet crash while serving in the U.S. Navy. She says his sacrifice has inspired her to dedicate her life to helping others. “My grandma always tells me how kind and selfless he was, and it makes me want to sacrifice for others as he did,” Elizabeth explained. “Although his life was cut short, I hope to continue his work of helping others, in my own way, by becoming a doctor.”
Elizabeth is currently attending Mount Saint Mary’s University studying Biology and Chemistry with the help of Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation (Fallen Patriots). Fallen Patriots aims to identify and support Gold Star scholars by providing financial assistance and educational counseling.
Children of Fallen Patriots Day helps raise awareness for this mission and is recognized by Chase’s 2018 Calendar of Events, the most comprehensive and authoritative reference available on special events, worldwide holidays and festivals, civic observances and historic anniversaries. Additionally, a growing number of governors and mayors across the United States are proclaiming this date, to include:
- Alabama
- Colorado*
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii*
- Kentucky
- Michigan
- Minnesota*
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey*
- New Mexico
- North Dakota
- North Carolina*
- Ohio*
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- Virginia*
In previous years, proclamations have also come from: Maine, Oklahoma, Jacksonville, Washington DC, Charlotte, Columbus, Dallas, Austin and Birmingham.
To celebrate Children of Fallen Patriots Day, the iconic Capital Wheel, located in National Harbor, M.D., will light up red, white and blue during the evening of May 13. This patriotic tribute near the United States Capitol in Washington D.C. will serve as a reminder of the sacrifices children of our fallen heroes make every day.
The date of 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.
About Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation
Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation honors the sacrifices of our fallen military heroes by ensuring the success of their children through college education. Since 2002, Fallen Patriots has provided more than $21 million in total assistance, including college scholarships and educational counseling to military children who have lost a parent in the line of duty. Nearly 20,000 children from all across America will need future assistance. Help today by visiting www.fallenpatriots.org.
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