April marks the nation’s “Month Of The Military Child,” a time to honor military youth in communities who have been impacted by deployments, as well as the unique opportunities and challenges that all military children face.

The South Dakota National Guard invites everyone to join in and be part of “Purple Up! For Military Kids Day,” being held April 17.

South Dakotans are encouraged to wear purple on that date and share their photos through social media as a tangible way to show their support and thank all military children for their strength and sacrifices.

“This is a perfect time to celebrate military children and to recognize their character, strength and resilience,” said Taryn Broomfield, SDNG Child and Youth Program lead coordinator. “Our military youth are impacted daily, whether their service member is home, deployed, at drill or away attending training or school.”

There are more than 6,400 military children in South Dakota with parents or guardians who serve in the National Guard, Reserves and active duty. Of these children and youth, over 3,800 are affiliated with the SDNG.

Governor Kristi Noem demonstrated her support of military kids by signing a proclamation announcing April of 2020 as the Month Of The Military Child.

Established by Casper Weinberger in 1986, the Month Of The Military Child recognizes the important role military children play in communities. Area communities pause each year to honor the millions of military children for their contributions to their families.