Honoring the Resilience of Military Children: The Month of the Military Child

Each April is the Month of the Military Child (MOMC), a time to recognize the sacrifices and contributions of resilient children in military families. These children, sometimes referred to as “military brats,” face unique challenges — including frequent relocations, extended parental deployments, and the uncertainty that comes with military life. Established in 1986 by then-Defense Secretary Caspar Weinberger, MOMC is a time to celebrate and support the approximately 1.6 million military children in the US.

The Month of the Military Child is marked by various events and initiatives across the country, helping to increase awareness and appreciation for the strength and adaptability of military children.

Why the Month of the Military Child Matters

Of course, building resilience in children is always important, but military children must often develop this quality to a much greater degree than their civilian counterparts. The kids of military parents experience a lifestyle filled with frequent transitions and challenges that many of their peers outside the military community do not face. Some key aspects of a military child’s life include:

• Frequent moves. On average, military children relocate six to nine times before graduating high school, often adapting to new schools, friends, and environments.

• Parental deployments. Many military children endure extended separations from one or both parents due to deployments, training, or other military obligations. Sometimes service member parents are killed in the line of duty, which presents far greater stressors to children and families.

• Educational challenges. Attending multiple schools can create difficulties with curriculum variations, academic continuity, and extracurricular opportunities.

• Emotional strength. Despite these challenges, military children develop strong adaptability, independence, and a sense of duty to their families and country.

MOMC provides an opportunity to celebrate their sacrifices while advocating for resources and support to help them thrive.

Ways to Celebrate the Month of the Military Child

Throughout April, military organizations, schools, and communities hold special Month of the Military Child activities to honor and support military children. These events help to foster a sense of belonging, encourage self-expression, and highlight available resources for military children. Some notable MOMC initiatives include:

• Purple Up! Day. One of the most visible MOMC traditions, Purple Up! Day encourages people to wear purple — a color symbolizing the combined colors of all military branches — to show support for military children.

• School and community events. Schools on military bases and in civilian communities host spirit weeks, art projects, essay contests, and other activities to recognize military children.

• Art and writing competitions. Some organizations invite military-connected children to share their experiences through poetry, art, and creative writing.

• Family recognition programs. Many military installations organize special ceremonies, award presentations, and family-focused activities to honor military children.

These initiatives aim to highlight the strength and resilience of military children while fostering a sense of appreciation and belonging.

How You Can Support Military Children and Families

There are many ways to show appreciation and provide meaningful support for military children and their families. Whether you are part of a military-connected community or a civilian supporter, here are some impactful ways to help:

• Participate in Purple Up! Day. Wear purple in April to show solidarity with military children.

• Encourage schools to recognize MOMC. Schools can implement programs to raise awareness, hold special events, or provide tailored support for military-connected students

• Offer community support. If you know a military family, extend kindness by offering assistance with childcare, meals, or simply being a supportive friend.

• Support military family programs. Donate to or volunteer with organizations that provide forms of educational, medical, emotional, and financial support to military families.

• Advocate for educational resources. Support policies and programs that ensure military children receive the educational support they need, including funding for school transition programs.

• Support scholarship funds for military children. Many organizations provide financial assistance to help military children achieve their educational goals. One example is the Marine Corps-Law Enforcement Foundation (MC-LEF), which provides scholarships for children of fallen Marines and federal law enforcement officers.

The Month of the Military Child is a time to recognize and appreciate the sacrifices made by military children. Their resilience, adaptability, and strength deserve acknowledgment and support throughout the year. By participating in MOMC activities, offering community support, and supporting scholarship funds, we can help ensure military children receive the recognition and assistance they need to thrive.

Support College Scholarships for Military Kids With MC-LEF

Since its creation in 1995, MC-LEF has offered educational funding to the children of fallen military service members. Thanks to our generous donors, MC-LEF currently establishes a $40,000 educational account for every child who loses a parent serving on active duty as a federal law enforcement agent, in the U.S. Marine Corps, or as a Navy Corpsman.

To date, MC-LEF has awarded over $94 million in educational accounts and other humanitarian assistance to over 5,900 recipients. Contact us to learn more.

All MC-LEF officers and board members are volunteers; we have only one paid employee. We pride ourselves on running our organization as cost-effectively as possible so that the vast majority of our donor funds can be used to accomplish our mission of educating the children of those who sacrificed all. Please consider donating today.