In 1986, former Defense Secretary Casper Weinberger designated April as the Month of the Military Child. Designed to recognize and highlight the sacrifices and unique challenges experienced by military families worldwide, this special month holds a unique and special significance in San Antonio, Military City U.S.A.
Texas has the second largest number of military school-aged children in the nation and Texas Governor Greg Abbott has issued a proclamation declaring that the State of Texas recognize April 2018, as the Month of the Military Child and April 13, 2018, as “Purple Up! For Military Kids Day.” This day reaffirms the commitment of ensuring excellence in schools, childcare, and youth services for our military children who remain resilient and steadfast through deployments and separations, many moves and multiple transitions. Purple signifies “joint” in the military world, meaning “all services” and represents the blending of the colors of the five branches of the Armed Forces. San Antonio is proud to be home to all of these branches: Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Marines.
We are encouraging our downtown Chamber members to light up their buildings purple in honor of the Month of the Military Child on April 13 and to show support for military students and appreciation for their strength and sacrifices by wearing purple throughout the month. The goal of Purple Up! Is for military youth to actually see the support in their communities and in their schools.
Thank you to all who serve our Nation in uniform and to all of their families, as well!
For any questions related to supporting our Military Youth, please contact: Lori A. Phipps, Military Child Education Program – School Liaison Office at 210-671-8388.
