- Categories:
- Federal
- Tags:
- AwarenessChildrenMilitary
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every April 15
- Holiday emoji:
- 💜
Purple Up Day is observed every year on April 15, during the Month of the Military Child. This special day is an opportunity to honor the resilience and sacrifices made by military children from all branches of the armed forces. Show your support by wearing purple, sharing their stories, and spreading awareness of their unique challenges and contributions.
Want to sponsor Purple Up Day? Learn how
Expected Purple Up Day Deals
Purple Up Day is less about commercial deals and more about community recognition and support for military children. Many organizations and businesses offer special appreciation events or small tokens of gratitude. Look for local school districts, youth organizations, and military family support groups to host events. Some retailers, like Starbucks and T-Mobile, often have year-round military discount programs that may be highlighted. Non-profits such as the Military Child Education Coalition and Operation Purple (National Military Family Association) often receive increased donations or promote awareness campaigns. We will update this page with confirmed live events and programs as April 15 approaches.
Platform Guide for Purple Up Day
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #PurpleUpDay. Share stories or facts about military children and their resilience.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #PurpleUpDay. Share photos of your community wearing purple to show support.
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #PurpleUpDay. Post visuals of purple attire and messages of appreciation for military kids.
Purple Up Day Hero
Michelle Obama
History of Purple Up Day
Purple Up Day was established by the University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension Military Youth and Family Program. It was set to be observed every year on April 15. It was selected in April, the month of the Military Child. The holiday is a great opportunity to honor and appreciate military families and their children for the sacrifices they make and the challenges they overcome. It is sponsored by the Department of Defense Military Community and Family Policy. The month dedicated to the military child is a part of the legacy that was left by former Defense Secretary Caspar Weinberger. In 1986, he established the Defense Department commemoration.
It is important that we establish an educational system for all military children. They should be able to progressively build their college and career readiness. A unified school system needs to be established, so the organization can operate more effectively and efficiently as a model. Every student needs to be challenged to maximize his or her potential. They would be able to excel academically, socially, emotionally, and physically for life.
Schools around the country are encouraged to plan special events to honor military children. Administrators and principals can easily incorporate the themes of the holiday into their everyday duties and responsibilities. The children need to understand that they are appreciated, and that they can get the support they need. They are able to get a good education and acquire the skills they need to be their best selves.
Purple Up Day timeline
April is chosen as the Month of the Military Child.
The former Defense Secretary Caspar Weinberger establishes the Defense Department commemoration
The University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension Military Youth and Family Program starts the initiative to support military kids.
About two million military kids experience a parental deployment since 9/11.
How Businesses Can Celebrate Purple Up Day
Local businesses can show their appreciation for military children by participating in Purple Up Day. Consider offering a special discount for military families on April 15, or hosting an event where children can create cards or artwork for local military bases. Schools and youth organizations can organize a ‘wear purple’ day, inviting students to learn about the experiences of their military-connected peers. Partner with a local military family support group to amplify their message and raise awareness within your community.
Purple Up Day FAQs
When is Purple Up Day?
In 2027, Purple Up Day will be celebrated on Thursday, April 15. It’s a consistent date each year, making it easy to mark your calendar and show your support.
How many military children are there?
Annually, over a million children in the U.S. are part of military families, navigating a lifestyle that includes adapting to new schools and communities. Their resilience is a testament to their strength.
What is the Month of the Military Child?
Throughout April, the Month of the Military Child celebrates the significant contributions and sacrifices of military youth. It’s a broader initiative to ensure these children feel valued and supported by their communities.
Why is purple the color for military children?
The color purple represents all military services combined, making it a symbolic choice for honoring military children. Wearing purple is a simple yet powerful way to show collective support for their unique experiences.
Purple Up Day Activities
Recognize military children
Take the time to recognize and appreciate any military children you know. Knowing they are supported makes a huge difference.
Wear purple
You can wear purple as a way to show support for military kids. It is an easy way to participate in the holiday.
Listen to military personnel
You can listen to a speech or have a one-on-one conversation with a military member. They usually have many inspiring stories to tell.
5 Important Facts About Military Children
There are many military kids
It is estimated that over two million children have one or two parents serving in the military.
They move a lot
Military kids typically have to move a lot due to deployments by their parents during their K-12 educational years.
They know the risks
Military kids are usually aware that their parents are required to perform in high-risk situations
They’re usually away from their parents
Military personnel members are typically far from home and children for lengthy periods of time.
They attend public school
About 80% of military children in the United States attend public schools.
Why We Love Purple Up Day
It supports military children
Military children have the opportunity to be heard and appreciated. They can get access to any support they may need to succeed.
It improves education
The aim of Purple Up Day is to make sure military children have access to good education. They are supported to make sure they can have successful careers.
It raises awareness
The holiday helps to spread useful information about the issues faced by military children. This awareness leads to conversations that provide solutions.
Social Media Tips for Purple Up Day
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