The Month of the Military Child, observed nationwide, shines a spotlight on the children of military parents. While many holidays focus on veterans and the challenges they encounter, whether physical or mental, after serving their country, this month shifts the spotlight to the sacrifices made by military children. It's a dedicated time to express gratitude and appreciation for these young individuals who contribute to the military community.

History and Origins of the Month of the Military Child

1. Establishment:

   • The Month of the Military Child was established by former Defense Secretary Caspar Weinberger in 1986. Recognizing the significant role that military children play in the armed forces community, this observance was created to honor their contributions and sacrifices. Since then, the Department of Defense (DoD), military branches, schools, and communities across the country have observed April as the Month of the Military Child.

2. Purpose:

   • The primary purpose of the Month of the Military Child is to raise awareness about the challenges faced by military children and to celebrate their resilience, adaptability, and courage. The observance also seeks to provide resources and support to military families, ensuring that military children have the tools they need to thrive.

3. Purple Up! Day:

   • One of the key events during the Month of the Military Child is "Purple Up! Day," typically observed on April 15th (though the date can vary by location). On this day, people are encouraged to wear purple as a symbol of support for military children. The color purple represents all branches of the military—blending the colors of the Army (green), Navy (blue), Air Force (blue), Marine Corps (red), and Coast Guard (blue). "Purple Up! Day" is a visual way to show solidarity with military children and to raise awareness of their experiences.

The Life of a Military Child

1. Frequent Relocations:

   • Military children often move multiple times during their childhood, with some moving as many as ten or more times before they graduate from high school. These frequent relocations mean that military children must constantly adapt to new schools, communities, and environments. While this lifestyle can be challenging, it also helps military children develop resilience, flexibility, and the ability to form new friendships quickly.

2. Parental Deployments:

   • Military children often experience the absence of a parent due to deployments, training exercises, or other military duties. These separations can be emotionally challenging, as children may worry about their parent's safety and miss their presence at home. The Month of the Military Child recognizes the strength and bravery of children who endure these separations.

3. Support Systems:

   • Military children often rely on strong support systems, including family, friends, schools, and military communities. Military bases, schools, and organizations provide resources and programs specifically designed to support military children, such as counseling services, youth programs, and peer support groups.

4. Educational Challenges:

   • Frequent relocations can create educational challenges for military children, as they may have to adjust to new curricula, teaching styles, and classmates. Despite these challenges, military children often excel academically and are known for their resilience in adapting to new educational environments.

5. Cultural Awareness:

   • Many military children have the opportunity to live in different states and countries, exposing them to diverse cultures and perspectives. This exposure helps them develop a global mindset, cultural awareness, and the ability to interact with people from various backgrounds.

How to Celebrate the Month of the Military Child

There are many ways to celebrate and support military children during the Month of the Military Child:

1. Wear Purple on Purple Up! Day:

   • Participate in "Purple Up! Day" by wearing purple to show your support for military children. Encourage others in your community, school, or workplace to join in, and share photos on social media with the hashtag #PurpleUp to raise awareness.

2. Support Military Families:

   • Show your appreciation for military families in your community by offering support, whether it's through acts of kindness, volunteering, or simply expressing your gratitude. Consider organizing events or activities that celebrate military children and provide them with a fun and supportive environment.

3. Educate Yourself and Others:

   • Take the time to learn about the unique challenges faced by military children and the resources available to support them. Share this information with others to raise awareness and promote understanding. Schools, community centers, and libraries can host informational sessions, book readings, or displays to educate the public about military children.

4. Attend or Organize Events:

   • Many military bases, schools, and communities hold special events during the Month of the Military Child, such as parades, picnics, and family fun days. Attend these events to show your support, or organize your own event to celebrate military children.

5. Recognize Military Children in Schools:

   • Schools can recognize military children by hosting assemblies, creating bulletin boards, or organizing activities that highlight the contributions and experiences of military kids. Teachers and staff can also offer extra support to military children who may be dealing with relocations or parental deployments.

6. Share Stories of Military Children:

   • If you are a military family, consider sharing your story or the stories of your children with others. Sharing personal experiences can help others understand the unique challenges and strengths of military children. Social media platforms, blogs, or local news outlets can be great ways to share these stories.

7. Donate to Organizations Supporting Military Families:

   • Consider donating to organizations that provide resources, support, and programs for military children and their families. Organizations like the Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC), Operation Homefront, and the National Military Family Association (NMFA) offer valuable services that help military children thrive.

8. Create Art or Write Letters:

   • Encourage children to create art or write letters to honor military kids. These can be shared with local military families, displayed in schools, or sent to military organizations. Creative activities can be a meaningful way for children to express their support for their peers in military families.

Fun Facts About Military Children

• Global Presence: Military children often live in multiple countries and states throughout their childhood. This global upbringing exposes them to different cultures, languages, and ways of life, making them adaptable and culturally aware.

• Resilience and Adaptability: Military children are known for their resilience and adaptability. They learn to make new friends quickly, adjust to new schools, and handle the challenges of military life with strength and grace.

• Military Brats: The term "military brat" is often used affectionately to describe children of military families. While "brat" may have negative connotations, in the military community, it is a badge of honor that reflects the unique experiences and resilience of military children.

• Educational Achievement: Despite frequent relocations, military children often excel academically. Many military families prioritize education, and military children are known for their strong work ethic and determination.

• National Support: The Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) operates schools on military bases around the world, providing high-quality education to military children. These schools are tailored to meet the needs of military families, ensuring continuity and support for students.

Conclusion

The Month of the Military Child is a time to honor and celebrate the resilience, strength, and contributions of military children in the United States. These children face unique challenges due to their parents' service, but they also develop remarkable qualities that set them apart. By participating in events, wearing purple, supporting military families, and raising awareness, we can show our appreciation for the important role that military children play in our communities and in the broader military family.