Month of the Military Child

History of Month of the Military Child 

The Month of the Military Child was established in 1986 by Defense Secretary Caspar Weinberger, a World War II Veteran and father of two. Recognizing the unique sacrifices and challenges faced by military children, Weinberger sought to create a time dedicated to honoring their resilience and contributions.

Military children navigate a life of frequent relocations, new schools, extended separations, and deployments—often adapting to the physical and emotional tolls of a parent’s military service. Some endure the added challenges of a parent returning home with injuries sustained in combat.

This month serves to raise awareness of the experiences of military-connected youth and acknowledge their strength, adaptability, and sacrifices. In Maryland alone, more than 35,000 military-connected children balance academic success, personal growth, and ever-changing environments. Their ability to persevere in the face of uncertainty deserves our deepest respect and appreciation.

This April, we take the time to say “thank you” to military children everywhere for their courage, strength, and unwavering spirit. 

Month of the Military Child Maryland Joins Forces Partner Events and Military Family Discounts

Throughout April, Maryland Joins Forces is sharing information on events across the state that celebrate Month of the Military Child. These events, coordinated in collaboration with Maryland Joins Forces Partners, recognize the resilience, strength, and sacrifices of Maryland’s 35,000+ military-connected children.

Explore the events below to see how communities are coming together to honor and support military children this month. 

Calendar: 

April 7-11, 2025: Purple Up Week on DVMF Social Media Channels: DVMF will celebrate Purple Up Week across our social media channels, recognizing the strength and resilience of military-connected children. Each day, we’ll highlight Maryland Joins Forces partners who are making a difference in the lives of veteran and military children across the state.  

April 11, 2025: Purple Up Day! April 11 is Purple Up! Day, a time to show support and appreciation for military-connected children by wearing purple. The color represents all branches of the military, blending the colors of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Space Force to symbolize unity and support for military families. Join us in honoring their resilience—wear purple and show your support! #PurpleUp #PurpleUpDVMF

April 12, 2025: Military Kid Day at the Army/Navy Lacrosse Game; DVMF is  proud to share that discounted tickets are available for the Army-Navy Lacrosse Game!

When: April 12, 2025; 12 PM
Where: Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium (550 Taylor Avenue, Annapolis, MD 21401)
Who: Military Families
Don’t miss this exciting matchup—purchase your discounted tickets here today!

April 30, 2025: Mission: Connection & Expression: Looking for a fun way to meet other military-connected kids? Unleash your imagination with hands-on art activities! Meet others in a relaxed, playful environment! Jump into the fun with improv games that spark confidence and laughter! 

When: April 30, 2025; 5-6 PM
Where: Odenton Library, 1325 Annapolis Rd. Odenton, MD
Who: Military-Connect Kids, Ages 9-14
Register at www.kennedykrieger.org/militarychild 

May: Discounted tickets through Baltimore Symphony Orchestra! 

Music Box: Great Big Animals: as part of the Family Collective, meet the gentle giants of the Animal World with a jazz combo and Maria Broom as your host. Elephants, Hippos and Bears are larger than life and center stage in this show.

Arrive 30–45 minutes early for fun pre-concert activities! 

Heroes and Heroines: Immerse yourself in history’s most iconic film scores, from The Lord of the Rings to Star Wars. Follow along on the Hero’s Journey with your favorite protagonists — sail the Seven Seas with Captain Jack Sparrow, traverse through time and space with Kirk and Spock, and tag along with Frodo and company as they embark on their perilous journey to Mordor. Conducted by the dynamic and engaging Sarah Hicks, this thrilling concert is not one to be missed!

To purchase discounted tickets:
Visit the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra’s Events Page and use:
DISCOUNT CODE: MDVETS20
OR, visit the DIRECT LINK: https://my.bsomusic.org/events?k=MDVETS&promo=MDVETS20