contributed by Melissa Lucas, senior staff writer
Purple up, people! April is the Month of the Military Child, and it’s time to celebrate these unsung heroes for who they are: unique, brave, resilient future history makers.
A few facts about military children, courtesy of AASA:
At a young age, military children experience circumstances that most civilians won’t come across in their lifetime. The fear and uncertainty that comes with a parent deploying. Frequent relocations that make it difficult to establish roots in any one place. Overseas PCS moves which plunk military children down in an unfamiliar culture. These experiences, and so many more, can be life-changing for children. Which is why it is so important that we take time to honor military children, just like we do their parents.
The Month of the Military Child was established in 1986, and for the past 35 years, military bases, cities, and school districts have been encouraged to honor our young American heroes with special events just for them.
For the most part, the Month of the Military Child and Purple Up are celebrated within Military Communities, but anyone can take the time to recognize our Nation’s military children. We’ve created a Month of the Military Child activities resource list, to help you find ways to celebrate.
First and foremost, we must say that MilitaryChild.org is definitely a go-to resource, not just for Month of the Military Child 2021, but year-round. Their goal is to ensure all military children are college-, work-, and life-ready. They seek to accomplish this by supporting, educating, advocating, and collaborating with organizations across the country.
Let’s start with a few of the initiatives created by MilitaryChild.org.
Additional resources to help you celebrate Month of the Military Child:
And then, of course you have social media. Honor your military child on social media by posting photos and using hashtags to celebrate them all month long. Also note that Purple Up Day 2021 is on April 16th. This year’s hashtags include #FutureHistoryMakers, #MOMC, #MonthOfTheMilitaryChild, and #PurpleUP.
During April’s Month of the Military Child, and every day, Military Connection honors the bravery and sacrifice of our nation’s youngest unsung heroes. Thank you for all that you do.
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