Month of the Military Child

Categories:: Special Interest
Tags:: Cultural Family Military
Where:: United States
Date change rule:: Every April
Holiday emoji:: 💜

Month of the Military Child recognizes the unique contributions and sacrifices of children in military families throughout April. Join in celebrating these resilient young people by participating in awareness campaigns, supporting military family organizations, and acknowledging their bravery.

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Expected Month of the Military Child Deals

Throughout April, many organizations and businesses offer special recognition and support for military children and their families. While we await official 2027 programs, history shows companies like USAA often feature financial literacy resources, and retailers such as T-Mobile and Verizon extend military family discounts. Look for special events and promotions from Disney, which frequently honors military families with park ticket offers. Local businesses may host appreciation events or offer small tokens of gratitude. Non-profits like Blue Star Families and the Military Child Education Coalition will highlight fundraising drives and volunteer opportunities. We will update this page with confirmed live deals and initiatives as April approaches.

Platform Guide for Month of the Military Child

Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #MonthOfTheMilitaryChild. Share stories of military children’s resilience in the workplace or educational settings.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #MonthOfTheMilitaryChild. Share community events, support groups, and family resources.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #MonthOfTheMilitaryChild. Share news, advocacy efforts, and personal stories to raise awareness for military youth.

Month of the Military Child Hero

Mary Edwards Walker

Dr. Mary Edwards Walker (1832-1919) was an American abolitionist, prohibitionist, prisoner of war, and surgeon. She is the only woman to have ever received the Medal of Honor, awarded for her service during the Civil War. Her dedication to military personnel and their families, often advocating for their welfare, embodies the spirit of support for those connected to service.

History of Month of the Military Child

The Month of the Military Child is a legacy that was left behind by the former Defense Secretary, Caspar Weinberger. The month of April is a time to honor and recognize the sacrifices made by the military families, a greater emphasis is given to the dependent children of military members working at home or overseas.

The Month of the Military Child is supported by the Department of Defense Military Community and many other organizations. This month is celebrated internally by the people of the military communities and military associations. Many activities take place in the honor of this month which includes contests, parades, seminars, and other special events. The Month of the Military Child is often celebrated externally by a great number of schools, organizations, and communities.

In these contests and ceremonies, the military families are requested to take part and be vocal about their past experiences and share their lifestyle with others. Through these events, efforts are made to emphasize the importance of providing military children with some support and quality services that can help them to prosper in a mobile lifestyle.

Month of the Military Child timeline

1908

Schools Established for Military Children

After World War Two, military schools are established in the U.S for the children of the men and women working in the military.

1986

Defense Department Commemoration Established

Defense Secretary Casper Weinberger establishes the Defense Department Commemoration designates the month of April as the Month of the Military Child.

1994

Military Schools Overlooked

The military education system which is overlooked by two parallel systems, the Department of Defense Dependents Schools overseas and the Department of Defense Domestic Dependent Elementary and Secondary Schools, are brought under one agency.

May 2009

22,000 Students Study in Military Schools

The military schools in the U.S are approximately educating 22,000 students.

How Businesses Can Celebrate Month of the Military Child

Local businesses can honor Month of the Military Child by offering special discounts or complimentary services to military families throughout April. Consider hosting a ‘Purple Up!’ day where staff wear purple and a portion of sales benefits a military child support organization. Schools and community centers can organize events that celebrate military children’s resilience, such as storytelling sessions or art projects. Retailers can create displays highlighting books or toys that reflect themes of adaptability and courage, donating a percentage of sales to relevant charities.

Month of the Military Child FAQs

When is Month of the Military Child?

In 2027, Month of the Military Child will also be observed throughout April, from Thursday, April 1 to Friday, April 30. This annual recognition ensures consistent support and awareness for military youth.

How many military children are there in the U.S.?

The Department of Defense reports around 1.6 million children with a parent serving in the U.S. military. This substantial population of young people moves an average of six to nine times during their K-12 school years.

What is the significance of the color purple for military children?

The color purple is used to represent military children because it incorporates the colors of every uniformed service. This symbolic blend highlights that children from all branches of the military share common experiences and challenges.

Is Month of the Military Child a federal observance?

Month of the Military Child is an official observance recognized by the U.S. government, specifically by the Department of Defense. It is not a federal holiday, but rather a dedicated period for awareness and appreciation.

How to Observe Month of the Military Child

Help the military families
Since the military kids deal with many struggles as compared to a normal child, hence you can help a military family in your community so that they can have the resources that they require.
Fund a contest for military children
You can help in the funding of a contest for the military kids to make them feel important.
Share their stories with the world
You can share the stories of the military kids with the world so that the world gets to know about their struggles and challenges.

5 Astonishing Facts About The Military Children

2 million children suffer from parental deployment
It is estimated that since 2001, two million children have gone through a parental deployment.
1.2 million children are of active-duty members
It is found that 1.2 million military children are active-duty military members in the world.
80% of military children attend school in the U.S.
80% of the military kids attend school in the United States.
An average military family moves more than a civilian family
Military families move or relocate thrice as much as the civilian family.
Military children show psychosocial behaviors
Amongst the school-going military kids, one-third of the kids show behaviors such as being anxious, crying, or worrying.

Why We Observe Month of the Military Child

Honor the sacrifices of military children
Being a member of a military family comes with many challenges, the children have to face frequent relocations. The kids have to make new friends, go to a new school, and learn about different cultures every time they move somewhere.
To help military children in their time of need
The military kids have often lost a loved one, hence we love to help them in their time of need through collecting funds and other resources.
Raise awareness about military kids’ lifestyle
We like to create awareness about how these children go through different changes in their lives all the time, and how they deal with them. Their stories serve as a form of inspiration for many.