Honoring Our Military Children: April is the Month of the Military Child


Each year as we celebrate Veterans Day and Memorial Day, we pay our respects, and honor all of our military veterans. But have we ever thought about the children, whose mothers and fathers are bravely serving our nation?

“Month of the Military Child” was first celebrated in April 1986. At the time, Casper W. Weinberger, Secretary of Defense, realized that no one was recognizing the sacrifices made by the children of the military. He designated the month as a time for the military community to honor and celebrate the resilience and strength of these children. Since then, the Department of Defense has continued to honor his initiative. After its inception, there have been a growing number of activities on military bases and in local military communities. During the month special events are held for the children and their families.

To help build awareness of military families and to honor the children, Purple Up! Day was initiated in 2011. Although it was started by the University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension 4H Military Partnership, Purple Up! Day is now celebrated throughout the country and embraced by the Department of Defense.

Five Facts about Military Children

  • The average military family moves three times more than a civilian family.
  • There are approximately 1.7 million children of active military personnel.
  • A common theme throughout the month is the color purple. This color was selected because it symbolizes all branches of the military.
  • Since 2001 at least 2 million children have had a parent deployed at least once.
  • The U.S. Department of Defense Education Activity operates 166 schools worldwide for military children.

As we show our appreciation to military children this month, Veterans Commemoratives also honors those who have served our country in the Armed Forces. Since 1987 Veterans Commemoratives has been proud to offer customized Service rings, watches and jackets featuring official War Memorials and Ribbons, Service and Career Emblems and Insignia.

Related products you may like:


Testimonials:

  • I received my United States MA-1 Bravo Jacket yesterday and I am very pleased with it. Thanks

    Charles W

  • Thank you very much for the two beautiful garments! Both the MA1-Bravo Jacket and the Concealed Carry Soft Shell Vest fit perfectly and are tailored to perfection. They are rugged and warm, exactly what I was looking for.

    Ed J.

  • I received the jacket this past Wednesday. I just love it. Good quality, feels great, and looks sharp. I have been looking for such a jacket the past few years and have finally found it.

    Edward A.

  • Dear Vetcom, Received the MA-1 Bravo Jacket yesterday. Thank you so very much, made a Veteran very happy. Was so hoping to have it on time for him to wear on Veterans Day and you made sure it was here in time. The jacket is beautiful and my husband just loves it. Again, thank you so very much and God bless.

    Jessie H.

More Testimonials...



More News & Stories:

Presidents Day – Honoring the Leaders Who Shaped Our Country

“Honor to the soldier and sailor everywhere who bravely bears his country’s cause. Honor, also, to the citizen who cares for his brother in the field and serves, as he best can, the same cause.” – Abraham Lincoln

Read more

A Day in History:  “That’s All, Brother” Flies Again

“This operation is not being planned with any alternatives. This operation is planned as a victory, and that’s the way it’s going to be. We’re going down there, and we’re throwing everything we have into it, and we’re going to make it a success.” – Dwight D Eisenhower

Read more

A Day in History:  Four Chaplains Day

“They gave their lives without being asked. When their ship was sinking, they handed out all the life preservers that were available and then took off their own and gave them away in order that four other men might be saved.” – President Harry S. Truman, speaking in Philadelphia, PA at the dedication of the Chapel of the Four Chaplains

Read more

Happy Ending to Veteran’s Lost Ring Story!

It’s been just a few weeks since Veterans Commemoratives was contacted by the store manager of a Habitat For Humanity store in Davenport, Iowa regarding a Military Service Ring that was found in the store parking lot. The efforts of that store manager, in conjunction with Veterans Commemoratives, social media, and local media stations have succeeded in bringing this story to a happy ending.

Read more

A Day in History:  USS Pueblo “Incident” – North Korea, January 23, 1968

“The world shall know that America is proud of the crew of the Pueblo and distressed over their plight of American honor, respect, and security.” – President Gerald Ford (then Congressman of Michigan)

Read more