By Donna Reuss
Alexandria, VA – We all have heard the term “military brat.” Maybe some of you reading right now are one! But unlike the usual connotation of “brat,” this endearing tag is something to be proud of.
The City of Alexandria has proclaimed the month of April 2026 as the “Month of the Military Child.” Further, April 15 is designated as “Purple-Up! For Military Kids” Day in the City and throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia, and residents are encouraged to wear purple to show support for military children. Why purple? In the military, it represents the blending of all service branch colors, symbolizing unity in mission.
Former Defense Secretary Caspar Weinberger established this annual special recognition of military children in 1986 to show appreciation for their sacrifices, challenges, and resilience and courage growing up in a military family.
On top of the usual pressures of childhood, a military child must adjust to frequent major life changes. On average, active-duty military families move every two to three years. This means changing schools, friends, and support networks. Separation during deployments, and even the disability or loss of a military parent, present difficult situations and may require children to take on additional household or caregiver responsibilities at an early age. The impact can be academically, socially, emotionally, and physically challenging for kids, and becomes even more complex as they get older.
But it isn’t only about hardships: military children enjoy many unique, positive experiences. Moving around the country or the world presents opportunities to explore different places, cultures, foods, and languages, giving them a more global perspective. They learn to deal with adversity at a young age, acquire coping skills, and develop resourcefulness. Recognizing the selfless service of their parents, military children often get involved in school and civic activities, volunteering and serving others, contributing to the strength of their families and community. And technology is helping military family members and friends stay connected from anywhere.
Children of service members also are two times more likely to enter the “family business” by joining the military themselves. A 2016 report showed that approximately 80 percent of U.S. recruits had some family military connection.
Today, more than 1.6 million children under the age of 18 have one or both parents serving on active duty. The Department of Veterans Affairs designation “military-connected,” which includes active duty, National Guard, Reserve, and those living in post-9/11 military veteran households, increases that number to around 2.3 million. Some 80,000 live in Virginia.
Military children can be remarkably adaptive, like the dandelion, the official flower of the military child. Dandelion seeds blow on the wind and thrive wherever they take root. But over time, adaptability can wear thin. According to the National Institutes of Health’s National Center for Biotechnology Information, “Emerging evidence suggests that military children struggle with more mental health and behavioral problems than their civilian counterparts.” Understanding how to nurture them begins with creating a supportive environment.
So, wear purple on April 15 to raise awareness, show support for, and celebrate the spirit of America’s military children. Check out the Virginia Department of Education, Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission, or Military Child Education Coalition websites for more ideas on how to demonstrate your appreciation for the “military brats” in your neighborhood!
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If you are a veteran or know a veteran or family member who needs help, go to Virginia Board Veterans Services at www.dvs.virginia.gov/dvs; or contact American Legion Post 24 Veteran Service Officer at [email protected]. For crisis intervention and suicide prevention, dial 988 and Press 1, or text 838255 for the Veterans Crisis Line.
