CELEBRATE MILITARY CHILDREN ON APRIL 15 FOR PURPLE UP! DAY


By bblouin
Service members cheer on students from Department of Defense Education Activity Schools Sigonella as they arrive during Purple Up Day as part of Month Of Military Child celebration, April 19, 2022.

Throughout the month of April, military families are the focus as the entire month is known as the Month of the Military Child. However, each year on April 15th, the military community comes together for Purple Up! for Military Kids Day. There are events in-person and online held each year. Purple Up! Day is a great way to support the sacrifices children make when they have a family member, or family members, serving our nation. Learn more about the holiday and how to celebrate it below. Suggested read: Space Force Budget Cuts Persist as Space Threats Grow

What Is Purple Up Day?

Every year, the Department of Defense Education Activity communities show their appreciation and support for military children on Purple Up! Day, by wearing the color and engaging in activities. This year, Purple Up! Day 2024 is on April 15, 2024. In the military, the understanding of the importance of the families that also make sacrifices for the defense of our nation is an idea that runs deep. This means recognizing that troops, their families, and their extended families are all crucial components of military life. Former Defense Secretary Casper W. Weinberger understood this well when he established the Month of the Military Child back in 1986. Since then, additional celebrations, such as National Purple Up! Day has aimed to honor the resilience and sacrifices of military families everywhere! The use of the color purple within the American Armed Forces is another strong tradition for activities that involve both civilian and military personnel. Every year, on April 15th, each branch is represented with the color purple. The idea is that by blending Air Force blue, Army green, Navy blue, Marine red, and Coast Guard blue into the color purple, everyone is included.

Military Holiday vs. Similar Holidays

While the military Purple Up! Day has deep roots within the American Armed Forces, there are similar holidays you’ll want to be aware of. Whether or not you observe multiple days likely depends on many different personal factors; however, for the sake of organization and clarity, here’s what you need to know:

  • Purple Day is held on March 26th each year. Thus, it’s to bring awareness to epilepsy, which affects 3.4 million people in the U.S., according to the CDC.
  • International Purple Hijab Day (Global Hijab Day or International Purple Hijab and Kufi Day) occurs on the second Saturday of February each year. While predominantly a Muslim observance, anyone is welcome to participate as the day centers around recognizing the victims of domestic violence.
  • Another international observation, known as the Purple Parade, raises awareness for people with disabilities in Singapore. The celebration has ties to the International Day of Persons With Disabilities, which will be held on December 3, 2024.

Related read: Recognizing the Month of the Military Child

Purple Up! Day Activities, Ideas, and Events

Because Purple Up! Day isn't a national holiday, school is still in session and work is unlikely to stop. However, that’s all part of it, as showing up and showing out is a great way to support the community. The grassroots efforts and local initiatives encourage schools and parents to plan special events throughout April to honor military children. Here are some great ways to use Purple Up! Day to support the military child:

  • On April 15th, be sure to wear purple and organize similar dress from schools, your workplace, places of worship, etc.
  • Do something to honor any military children in your life. It could be as simple as a small gesture or simply letting them know that they are important, respected members of the community.
  • Many military installations will have community events and if you know of any, help organize and promote them to help kids feel the support.
  • Plan an event, such as a pizza night, a bike ride, etc., with your family and others to celebrate military children.
  • You can also take things online. Be sure to use your favorite social media platforms to let military kids know that they are appreciated.

Get creative and show your support for military children however you can. Help ensure Purple Up! Day is a memorable celebration for military families everywhere! Read next: Why Are Army Helicopters Named After Native American Tribes?


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