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May 15, 2024

Special Issue: Purple Up! Highlights

Thank you for Purpling Up! for Military Kids in April and tagging us on social media! We enjoyed seeing your events and activities. Several states issued statewide Month of the Military Child (MOTMC) proclamations and held events nationwide. Check out some highlights down below and watch the video to see how states and schools Purpled Up! for military children.

Presidential Proclamation


On March 29th, the White House issued a presidential proclamation signed by US President Joseph R. Biden declaring April as the Month of the Military Child.


"Military children embody the very best of America — shouldering the unique challenges military life places on families across our Nation and around the world with tenacity. This month — and every month — we honor their bravery and show our gratitude to the children of our military service members and veterans for their own service to our Nation."


Read the Proclamation here

The National Office Hosts Giant Jenga Tournament

As one of 11 affiliate organizations of The Council of State Governments, the national office hosted a Giant Jenga Tournament from April 22 to May 2 at their headquarters in Lexington, Kentucky. Players and onlookers Purpled Up! each round and a luncheon was held after the Championship. The theme of the tournament was Run for the Roses to coincide with the Kentucky Derby.

Watch the Video

Florida Proclamations for Month of the Military Child

The Florida Department of Education released a memorandum announcing April as the Month of the Military Child and setting April 15th as Purple Up! Day.


Read the Memorandum here


Governor Ron DeSantis declared April 2024 as the Month of the Military Child for the state of Florida.


Read the Proclamation here

Kentucky Declares April 15 as Purple Up! Day


Coordinated by MIC3 Kentucky Commissioner Stephen Bullard, Governor Andy Beshear declared the month of April as Month of the Military Child in the state of Kentucky.


Read the Proclamation here


Governor Beshear also declared April 15th to be Purple Up! Day in celebration of Kentucky's military children.


Read the Proclamation here

Massachusetts Hosts Purple Up! Day Celebration

MIC3 Massachusetts Commissioner J. Clarke Orzalli and Bourne Public Schools hosted a Purple Up! event on April 12th. The programming included a welcome address, testimonials from three students in grades three, four, and five who have family members in the military, the Governor's Proclamation presented by Commissioner Orzalli, a presentation of certificates to Bourne Intermediate School military students, a performance of US military service songs by Bourne Intermediate School music students, and closing remarks by Bourne Intermediate School Principal Jane Norton.

Mississippi Declares April to be Month of the Military Child

Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves issued a proclamation to declare April 2024 as the Month of the Military Child and April 15th, as Purple Up for Military Kids Day for the state of Mississippi.


Read the Proclamation here

Missouri Celebrates Military Children at the State Capitol

The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and MIC3 Missouri Commissioner Dr. Brian Henry hosted a statewide kickoff for the Month of the Military Child on April 2nd. Students from the Waynesville R-VI School District attended the event which included presentations from various keynote speakers, the JROTC Color Guard, and students from Waynesville Middle School and Waynesville High School presented artwork.

Nevada Comes Together to Purple Up!

In Nevada, military children from Churchill County Schools and local officials from Fallon, Nevada celebrated with NAS Fallon Commanding Officer CAPT Shane Tanner and the City of Fallon Mayor Ken Tedford by dyeing the city fountain purple in honor of the Month of the Military Child.


A proclamation signed by Mayor Tedford was presented to declare April as the Month of the Military Child for the City of Fallon.

New Mexico Goes On-Air for Military Children!

On April 25th, MIC3 New Mexico Commissioner Theresa Ferenczhalmy joined military-connected students in New Mexico to go live on-air with the Michael Shinabery Show on Alamo Talk 101.9. She highlighted the important role schools play in supporting military kids as they transition between public schools.


Listen to the podcast here!

New York Supports Military Kids in April

With support from MIC3 New York Commissioner Debra Jackson and the state council, State Education Department Commissioner Betty Rosa issued a memo to district superintendents encouraging them to Purple Up! for Month of the Military Child.


Read the Memo here


During the month of April, military children and their parents were invited to partake in the following free programs:

  • April 6: Explore Howe Caverns with an exclusive tour underground, generously co-sponsored by the Military Family Foundation.
  • April 7: Get behind the scenes at Citi Field, home of the New York Mets, with a special tour including access to the visitor's clubhouse batting cage.
  • April 13: Visit the All Things Oz Museum in the hometown of L. Frank Baum, author of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, for a unique experience.
  • April 14: Embark on a journey through the history of Broadway at the Museum of Broadway in New York City.
  • April 20: Experience a wildlife adventure at Bailiwick Animal Park, where exotic and domestic animals await.
  • April 21: Enjoy a special tour of Lyndhurst mansion during their remarkable Flower Show near the Hudson River.
  • April 27: Attend a special laser show set to Taylor Swift tunes at the Rochester Museum & Science Center’s Planetarium.
  • April 28: Discover the wonders of Niagara Falls with visits to the Aquarium of Niagara, Maid of the Mist boat ride, and Cave of the Winds.


Governor Kathy Hochul directed 13 buildings in New York City to shine purple on April 1st to celebrate military children.

Governor McMaster joins SCDVA and SC Dept. of Education for special recognition of military children

On Tuesday, March 26, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster along with South Carolina Department of Veterans’ Affairs (SCDVA) Secretary Todd McCaffrey, South Carolina Department of Education Superintendent Ellen Weaver, and leaders from school districts around the state gathered to proclaim April as the Month of the Military Child in South Carolina.


Read more 

Tennessee Proclamation for Month of the Military Child

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee issued a proclamation to declare April as Month of the Military Child for the state of Tennessee.


Read the Proclamation here


The City of Clarksville Mayor Joe Pitts issued a proclamation alongside MIC3 Commissioner Deanna McLaughlin.


Read more

Wisconsin Purples Up! for Military Kids!

The State Superintendent of Public Instruction for the state of Wisconsin issued a proclamation declaring April as Month of the Military Children.



Read the Proclamation here


US Army Garrison Fort McCoy shared a video demonstrating their support and celebration of military children to show how they are Brave, Fearless, and Resilient.


Watch here

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