The Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3) will “Purple Up! For Military Kids” on April 19, 2023. A survey released by the Military Child Education Coalition reported an estimated 1.2 million military-connected students are enrolled in schools abroad and in the United States.

Former U.S. Secretary of Defense Caspar Weinberger first designated April as the “Month of the Military Child”, acknowledging the significant role military-connected students play in our communities. In 2011, the University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension Military Youth and Family Program started the “Purple Up! for Military Kids” as a way for communities to support military children for their strength and sacrifice.

On a designated day during the Month of the Military Child, communities throughout each state join and wear purple to honor military children. Purple is a combination of Army green, Marine Corps red, Coast Guard, Air Force, Space Force, and Navy blue; it is the appropriate color to represent military children from all branches.

“During the month of April, we honor our military children,” said Laura Anastasio MIC3 Chair and Connecticut Compact Commissioner. “We applaud them for their daily sacrifices and challenges they overcome while serving alongside their families. April is our opportunity to celebrate their strength, courage, and resiliency.”

The Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children eases educational transitions of military children as they transfer between states in the areas of enrollment; placement and attendance; eligibility; and graduation. The Compact was developed by The Council of State Governments National Center for Interstate Compacts, the U.S. Department of Defense, national associations, federal and state officials, state departments of education, school administrators and military families.

For more information, visit www.mic3.net/motmc.