Recognizing and celebrating our military children

By Reina Vasquez

For 39 years, the Department of Defense has recognized and celebrated military children during the month of April. Officially known as the Month of the Military Child, Defense officials seek to honor the more than 1.6 million military children who face frequent challenges and often make numerous sacrifices as a result of their parents' service to our nation.

According to the Defense Department website, military children move, on average, every two to three years, causing unique challenges due to new schools, friends and support networks.

The frequent moves, with new neighborhoods, new schools, and new friends can be exciting, but often for a military child, it also may mean having to adjust and adapt to an array of changes, and that's not always an easy task.

This year, April 9th was designated as "Purple Up! Day" -- a special day to show your gratitude for our youngest supporters. This year's theme revolved around recognizing the strength, resilience, and sacrifices of military-connected youth.

So, why purple, you may ask? Purple represents the blending of the colors of the five branches of the U.S.

Armed Forces, symbolizing unity and support for all military children.