Investing in our Military Kids
With April right around the corner, my community has an amazing team working to make sure that the Month of the Military Child will be off the chain for our military kids. From a school ceremony on Purple Up Day (possibly with special guest, South Carolina’s Governor), to a military children’s author reading at our local Books on Broad bookstore and Camden Public Library, to the Camden City Council honoring our military children at their meeting while reading a signed proclamation supporting Month of the Military Child, to Camden Elementary’s entire school community participating in a Spirit Week leading up to Purple Up Day—I’d say the time, energy, and investment of love in highlighting our military children will be a month to remember.
What is Month of the Military Child?
The Month of the Military Child is celebrated in April, “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.
How can we celebrate?
Not sure how to spice up your celebrations to truly honor military kids in your area? Here are some simple ways to show your support:
- Wear purple on Purple Up Day: Wearing purple is a visible way for everyone to show support and thank military youth for their strength and sacrifices.
- Feature Month of the Military Child on your website: Schools can promote the Month of the Military Child by providing links to other sites that offer resources for military families.
- Publish installation and community events: Use the school newsletter to publicize Month of the Military Child events and activities hosted by the installation and community. Look for ways schools can contribute to these celebrations, like setting up an information or activity booth, having teachers volunteer at events and activities, and more.
- Host an assembly for Month of the Military Child: Hold a school assembly honoring military children. Include a performance by the band. Have students write a poem about what it means to be a military child and select several student volunteers to read their poems.
- Salute military children at sporting events: Have the announcer make a special announcement before, during, or after sporting events, recognizing all military children. Have them raise the flag, sing the National Anthem, or recite the Pledge of Allegiance.
- Teachers salute military children: Ask teachers at your school to make a special project with their classes such as a picture frames, bookmarks, journals, and more, that ties into the Month of the Military Child.
Don’t underestimate your own creativity to help military children feel recognized and supported.
Don’t overlook installation support
If you have access to your installation or command’s education liaison, reach out to them and ask if there are any Month of Military Child events. If you do not have an education liaison, reach out to your Family Support Assistant (titles vary amongst branches and commands) or Soldier and Family Readiness Group Leadership. If there isn’t anything planned, make sure to reach out to the appropriate leadership and pitch them your idea! It takes a village, a great deal of stamina, and courage to lead, but together we are stronger. We can make the investment in ensuring our military children receive some much needed love this coming month.
Let’s make the 2020 Month of the Military Child a year to remember for all military children in both CONUS and OCONUS locations. Be on the lookout for #monthofmilitarychildglobalinitative coming soon, an initiative to serve as a resource, idea, inspiration, and support hub in honor of this wonderful month.
I’m looking forward to seeing all of the support that our military community will plan and provide as we continue to invest in our military kids’ bright future.
