🎖️ Honoring Our Heroes in Uniform and in Sneakers: The History of the Month of the Military Child

Each April, communities across the United States come together to recognize a unique and resilient group of young people: the sons and daughters of our nation's service members. Known as the Month of the Military Child, this national observance shines a well-deserved spotlight on the strength, adaptability, and sacrifice of military-connected children.

🌟 A Legacy of Recognition

The tradition began in 1986, when then-Secretary of Defense Caspar Weinberger established the Month of the Military Child. The goal was simple yet powerful: to honor the important role that children play in the Armed Forces community and to acknowledge the challenges they face as part of a military family.

Since its inception, the month has served as a time to celebrate military kids’ courage, especially as they navigate frequent moves, long deployments, and the daily realities of life tied to service. Often called "military brats" (a term many wear with pride), these children are known for their flexibility, maturity, and global perspective.

💜 Why Purple?

You might notice purple ribbons, shirts, and banners throughout April — that’s no coincidence. Purple is the color of support for all military branches, blending the service colors of the Army (green), Navy (blue), Air Force (blue), Marine Corps (red), and Coast Guard (blue). Events like Purple Up! Day encourage everyone to wear purple as a visible show of support and gratitude for military children.

✈️ Growing Up on the Move

Military kids move an average of six to nine times before graduating high school. That’s not just a lot of packing boxes — it means new schools, new friends, and constant change. Yet, many military children develop a remarkable sense of resilience, cultural awareness, and strong family bonds through these experiences.

💬 Voices of the Brave

Military children are more than just “along for the ride.” They are caregivers, community builders, and advocates in their own right. Through programs like the Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC) and Student 2 Student (S2S), these young leaders support one another and help their peers adjust to new environments.

💖 Let’s Celebrate Them

Whether you're part of a military family or a supportive civilian community, April is a time to celebrate and uplift military children. Take a moment to thank them, hear their stories, and recognize the strength they show every day.

This month — and every month — we salute our youngest heroes.

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