The U.S. Department of Defense recognizes the nation’s military children for their contributions to their families’ well-being and sacrifices for the country by celebrating the Month of the Military Child throughout April each year.
U.S. service members with children can take this opportunity to spend time with their loved ones while also learning about the importance of family resilience and readiness. Military families and supporters are encouraged to wear purple during April, in honor of military children. The color purple symbolizes all branches of the military. It’s a combination of Army green, Coast Guard blue, Air Force blue, Marine red, and Navy blue.
The dandelion is the official flower of the military child. Why a dandelion? Its description holds a significant meaning for military kids.
The characteristics of a dandelion are much like those of a military child. The dandelion can be scattered by the wind and can put down roots anywhere. The flower adapts to life among other plants and can survive in nearly any location. That’s a nearly perfect comparison to the life of a military child.
This April, take time to show your support and thank military kids for their strengths and sacrifices. It’s a great opportunity to celebrate and appreciate them as the unsung heroes they are.
The “official” day to wear purple is April 13. However, if you’re a true supporter of U.S. military children, any day during April would be a meaningful time to honor them. So, pick a bouquet of dandelions and “purple up”!
Fast Facts about U.S Military Children
- Total population: 1.8 million
- Age range: newborn to 18
- 1.3 million are school-age
- 765,000 have active-duty parents
- 225,000 have a parent currently deployed
- 700,000-plus have experienced the deployment of one or more parents since 2001
Teasia Levin
Stonecroft National Military Consultant
Stonecroft Military
