Whistleblower Reward Day honors and acknowledges the courage and contribution of whistleblowers in various sectors who risk their careers and personal lives to expose wrongdoing and corruption. Whistleblower Reward Day originated to maintain transparency and accountability in the public and private sectors. Over the years, numerous high-profile cases highlighted how individuals who reported illegal or unethical activities were instrumental in bringing about significant legal and corporate reforms. Despite their crucial role, whistleblowers often faced retaliation, including job loss, legal battles, and personal hardships. This day seeks to change the narrative around whistleblowing, shifting the focus from the risks and challenges faced by whistleblowers to celebrating their bravery and the positive impact of their actions. It reminds society of whistleblowers' essential role in upholding justice and ethical conduct. The purpose of Whistleblower Reward Day is multi-fold: Recognition and Appreciation—to publicly recognize the contributions of whistleblowers, thereby providing them with moral support and encouragement. Celebrating their bravery helps in reducing the stigma associated with whistleblowing. Awareness and Education—an opportunity to educate the public and employees about the rights of whistleblowers, the legal protections available to them, and the proper channels for reporting wrongdoing. Advocacy for Better Protections—for stronger legal protections for whistleblowers, highlighting the need for laws that protect them from retaliation and reward them for their contributions to the public interest. Encouraging Ethical Practices—highlighting successful cases where whistleblowing has led to positive change, the day encourages more people to come forward and report wrongdoing, promoting a culture of transparency and accountability. CREATED BY WHISTLEBLOWER JOEL HESCH Joel Hesch, a former attorney in the US Department of Justice's whistleblower reward office, created National Whistleblower Reward Day after working at the DOJ for 15 years. Hesch worked in the context of the False Claims Act. He is known for his role in the US Department of Justice, where he specialized in investigating and prosecuting fraud cases under the False Claims Act. This law allows private individuals to sue on behalf of the government for false claims and to share in any monetary recovery. Hesch's expertise in this area is notable, and he has become an advocate for the proper use of the False Claims Act, educating others about its significance in combating fraud against the government. After his tenure with the Department of Justice, he continued his work in this field by offering guidance and support to potential whistleblowers and raising public awareness about the importance of whistleblowing in detecting and preventing fraud. National Whistleblower Reward Day underscores the impact of fraud on government spending, highlighting that up to ten percent of all government spending, amounting to as much as $400 billion annually, could be lost due to fraud. The day plays a critical role in reinforcing the importance of ethical conduct and the responsibility of individuals to report wrongdoing while also pushing for systemic changes to protect better and reward those who take the risk to expose the truth.