April 15th is PURPLE UP DAY! So, make sure you wear purple to show your support for our military children and the sacrifices they make. There are more than 1.6 million military children who face many challenges and unique experiences as a result of their parents’ service.
While military members serve for our country, we forget about the challenges their children may face. On average, military families relocate every 2-3 years. As a child, this can be very overwhelming. Saying goodbye to friends, support network, and new school, and making new friends. Now, add a parent who has been deployed.
Despite all the frequent changes, military children show remarkable resilience like a dandelion.
This is why the dandelion is the official flower of the military child. A dandelion takes root and blooms wherever it is planted. It also symbolizes perseverance, endurance, and hope. All traits shown by our military children. During the month of April (the month of the military child), there are different things we can do to show our support as a Legion family. Host a meal at your post/unit for the military families in your community. This is an opportunity for families to get acquainted and for friendships to be made. Also, as the American Legion Family, we want to let the families know who we are and what we do.
Does your Legion post have a marquee? Advertise on the marquee to let the community know that April is the month of the military child and include April 11th as Purple Up Day. The important thing is to let these children know we acknowledge their sacrifices as well as their parents.
April 26th is American Legion Family Day. What a great opportunity to showcase who we are, what we do, and why we do it. How can we do this…easy. Hold an open house and invite the community. Have handouts available for the American Legion, Auxiliary, SAL, and the Legion Riders, along with membership applications. Do not forget to have the BE THE ONE information available as well. As the American Legion Family we have many resources to assist members in our communities. Unfortunately, we have a stereotype of being a bunch of old people who sit at the bar and have bake sales. It is time to break that misconception. There are Veteran families in our community that have not joined our family because of the stereotype.
There may be a Veteran who may be feeling alone or suicidal. BE THE ONE to let that Veteran know they are not alone, and help guide them to get the help they may need. Let’s not forget about the caretakers caring for our Veterans. The ALA can assist caretakers with various needs as well. This holds true for the SAL and the ALR. We as a family do so many amazing things for our Veterans and their families within our communities. The problem is a majority of people do not know what we do. Show the community we are made of different entities, but we work as a FAMILY to benefit our veterans, their families and our community.
Reminder: District reports are due to the Department Chairmen by April 15th. I am so excited to read about all the amazing activities you have done this past year. Are you entering for awards? Do not forget to include the ‘Green Sheet’ along with your submission. Thank you for everything you all do; you are appreciated.
He rocks in the treetops all day long Rockin robin, rock rock
Hoppin and a boppin and singing his song Rockin robin,
All the little birdies on Jaybird street Blow rockin robin
Love to hear the robin go tweet tweet tweet ‘Cause we’re really gonna rock tonight
–Jimmie Thomas
#ALAforVeterans #MonthofMilitaryChild #MOMC2025 #purpleup4militarykids #PurpleUp