The CWLA Children's Memorial Flag Initiative (6:30 am)

This is the first post in the ending section of this blog, "Voices Behind The Pain". The focus will be on the expression of grief and pain, expressed when our children are lost to violence -- and revealed through some form of artwork.

~ Joanna

Reference: Child Welfare League of America
(http://www.cwla.org/)

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Children's Memorial Flag

The CWLA Children's Memorial Flag Initiative

In 1998, CWLA launched a public awareness campaign to direct attention to the tragedy of violent child deaths as part of a national initiative to reduce child mortality.

The centerpiece is simple--a red flag depicting blue, paper-doll-like figures of children holding hands. In the center, the white chalk outline of a missing child symbolizes the thousands of children lost to violence. Created by a 16-year-old student in Alameda County, California, and flown on the fourth Friday in April, the Children's Memorial Flag honors each lost child and raises public awareness about the continuing problem of violence against children.

For the past three years, all 50 governors have united in an impressive bipartisan effort by flying the flag, issuing proclamations, or participating in ceremonies to memorialize children. National and local publicity has been terrific, and the Children's Memorial Flag has become an increasingly recognizable symbol of the need to improve our efforts to protect children.

The Children's Memorial Flag has also received support from mayors, directors of social service agencies and hospitals, schools, district attorneys, police chiefs, and others.

Further the Cause

The Children's Memorial Flag has already brought the issue of child abuse and neglect to light for thousands of people, but we must continue the momentum if we hope to prevent future occurrences of violence against children. Your support is essential to helping us realize the dream of eliminating the violence against children.

Stay Connected

Each year, more and more concerned citizens join in the Children's Memorial Flag Initiative. The energy and enthusiasm for this initiative has been overwhelming, and we would like to share your stories with others who participate in the flag campaign or are thinking about getting involved. Tell us what you or your organization is doing to support National Children's Memorial Flag Day. E-mail pictures and stories to flag@cwla.org.

Nearly 3 million children are reported abused and neglected each year in this country, and more than 1,000 die tragically from abuse and neglect. Have you experienced tragedy firsthand? Please share your story.