April is designated as the Month of the Military Child, underscoring the important role military children play in the armed forces community. Sponsored by the Department of Defense Military Community and Family Policy, the Month of the Military Child is a time to applaud military families and their children for the daily sacrifices they make and the challenges they overcome.
The Month of the Military Child is part of the legacy left by former Defense Secretary Caspar Weinberger. He established the Defense Department commemoration in 1986.
“Purple Up! For Military Kids” is a day to wear purple to show support and thank military children for their strength and sacrifices. Purple indicates that all branches of the military are supported. Air Force blue, Army green, Navy blue, Marine red, and Coast Guard blue all are thought to combine together as a single color, purple.
The school districts where Camp Lejeune, Fort Bragg, Seymour Johnson AFB, MCAS Cherry Point are located have selected April 16, 2021 as this year's Purple Up! day. The school districts of Onslow County, Cumberland County, Moore County, Wayne County and Craven County together with the installation school liaison officers will also encourage community support of Month of the Military Child with various "Purple Up!" activities.