RECOGNIZING THE MONTH OF THE MILITARY CHILD


By akirschbaum
Month of the military child 2024 poster.

April is officially the Month of the Military Child, a time to celebrate and honor military children for their sacrifice, commitment, and service. These young heroes endure constant moves, parent deployments, and other challenges. Although they don't serve the front lines or wear a military uniform, they are essential to the community. This month, it is time to acknowledge the contribution of these children to their military families. Suggested read:These Army Policies Help Your Military Family Find Balance

History of the Month of the Military Child

The former Defense Secretary, Caspar W. Weinberger, is responsible for creating the Month of the Military Child and leaving it as a legacy. This month is the time to recognize and honor all the sacrifices made by these families but with a greater emphasis on children whose families work out of the country or at home. The Department of Defense Military Community and other organizations support this month-long celebration. Also, different associations and the people in the military celebrate this internally, and even schools and communities participate in this celebration. Such activities like seminars, contests, parades, and many more take place. During Month of the Military Child activities, the families can share their previous experiences and lifestyles with others. With the help of such events, military children can have support to have a better life and prosper in a mobile lifestyle.

Timeline of the Month of the Military Child

1908

Schools for Military ChildrenWhen World War II ended, military schools for the children of those in service were established in the U.S.

1986

Defense Department Commemoration Was EstablishedApril was designated as the Month of the Military Child by Weinberger, who established the Defense Department Commemoration.

1994

Merging of Schools The Department of Defense Dependents Schools overseas and the Department of Defense Domestic Dependent Elementary and Secondary Schools are consolidated into one agency.

May 2009

Number of EnrolleesDuring this time, the number of students enrolled in military schools in the U.S. was approximately 22,000.This timeline showcases the evolution of recognition and support of military children. Today, as we celebrate the month of the military child in 2024, let's continue to provide care and support for them.Read next: 5 Proven Strategies for Rebuilding Military Family Bonds After Service

Month of the Military Child Facts

  1. During this month, military kids share their experiences by arranging dinners and inviting older military kids. They bond and share stories about brave kids.
  2. These kids wear purple to show their support to other military kids for their sacrifices while their parents serve the country.
  3. A few things a military child must endure are having no permanent friends, constantly moving, and continuously transferring schools.
  4. There are an estimated 2 million kids who have suffered from parental deployment since 2001.
  5. In the world, there are around 1.2 million military active-duty kids who are military members.
  6. In the United States, roughly 80% of military kids attend school.
  7. Military families move three times or more than their civilian counterparts.
  8. One-third of the kids attending military schools show behavior such as crying, worrying, and being anxious.

Observing the Month of the Military Child

This month of the military child in 2024, you can participate in this event by doing the following:

  1. You can help the military families in your community with small things. The military children had to deal with many struggles, unlike normal kids. An act of kindness is enough for them.
  2. In observance of the Month of the Military Child, you can aid in funding a contest for these kids to instill a sense of importance in them.
  3. Sharing their stories with the world is an excellent step so that other people will know the challenges and struggles these families and kids face.

Being a member of a military family is not easy, and as a kid, there are a lot of things they have to face. At an early age, they learn how to adjust to various conditions and sometimes lose a loved one. So helping them in any way you can is vital.You can also check the daily activities for the Month of the Military Child: Calendar of Events.Related read: Milspouses Transition, Too! Military Transition Tips & Tools for Milspouses


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