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:

Special Winter Days to Thank a Vet

The winter months can start off fast and furious with the Christmas and New Year’s holidays and then drone on through the sometimes dark and cold months of January and February.

Read more

Making Your Vacation a Little More Patriotic

Summer is the season for road trips, family camping adventures, and vacations to visit relatives. Planning to take a trip can take several months so you want to make the most of the time you have away from home.

Read more

Talking to Children About Military Service

Parents and guardians are tasked with discussing many difficult subjects with their children. The youngest members of our families can have the hardest time coping with the realities of having a loved one away from home.

Read more

Reaching Out to a Veteran in Need

Millions of men and women have served in various capacities with the US armed services. This important experience requires enormous strength of will and an unwavering commitment to duty; this is the reality that connects all veterans, past and present.

Read more

Little Ways to Keep Patriotism Alive in Your Life

Patriotism is an admirable value that connects people living today with generations of brave individuals that came before. Though patriotism can be simply defined as a feeling of loyalty to one’s country, to many Americans patriotism is more than just a feeling.

Read more