There’s so much to look forward to in the spring: warmer weather, longer days, and plenty of after-school activities. One of the things we at Atlantic Builders are most excited about is recognizing military kids during April, the Month of the Military Child.
Military families are important community members in our neighborhoods. So, when we get the chance to lift them up, we’re all in, especially if we can help them transform their new house and community into a supportive home base.
Each year, entities across the country, including the White House, Department of Defense, national, state, and local government, schools, military-serving organizations, companies, and private citizens, recognize military children, in big and small ways, for their service to our country.
It's easy to forget the challenges military kids face with frequent moves and the loss of local support systems after relocating. In recognition of their contributions, former Defense Secretary Caspar Weinberger designated April as the Month of the Military Child in 1986.
Today, in honor of the youngest American heroes, the country celebrates with a wide variety of special occasions created just for them, including the largest community event, Purple Up! Day.
Did you know that purple represents the color of all our military service branches combined? Every April, military families and connected organizations are encouraged to wear purple throughout the month to honor the sacrifices military kids face while growing up with parents who serve long hours at home and abroad.
Virginia’s Department of Education celebrates the Month of the Military Child on April 17, 2024, with Purple Up! For Military Kids Day events across the state. Many Virginia schools also create month-long events highlighting military kids' unique lifestyles. Check-in with your school's administration and PTA/PTOs for fun-filled activities to make sure your military kids get the recognition they deserve.
Purple Up! and Month of the Military Child On Base Events
While in the Month of the Military Child spirit, take a look at the events hosted by nearby military installations.
Calling all military kids!
You’re invited to celebrate the Month of the Military Child at any of Atlantic Builders’ sales offices and model homes from Friday, April 19th through Sunday, the 21st. We’re showing our admiration and gratitude for your service with a sweet event just for you. Drop in and say hi (we’ll be wearing festive Purple Up! shirts), and treat yourself to ice cream sandwiches and ice pops. Come on in—we can’t wait to meet our military youth neighbors!
If you can’t attend local, school, or military installation Month of the Military Child events, there are plenty of ways you can celebrate at home and in your neighborhoods. Consider one of these activities to recognize your child’s courage and tenacity.
Send care packages to deployed servicemembers’ children at their homes.
Display military memories like photos and mementos from previous duty stations.
Create a journaling session for kids to draw or write about their favorite military life activities, like homecoming vacations or their favorite places they’ve lived.
Take a trip to your local library and check out books about military kids.
Plan a picnic with at least one purple food on the menu.
Visit a military museum near you and tour exhibits featuring military families. The National Museum of the United States Army near Fort Belvoir has a great one.
Thank you, military kids, for your perseverance and selflessness. We hope to see you wearing your best Purple Up! gear in our offices and model homes the third weekend in April. See you soon!
Atlantic Builders is committed to consciously embracing a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture that is an extension of our core values: Delighted Customers, Passionately Learn and Grow, Respect All Opinions, Act with Urgency, Give Back, Have Fun and Celebrate and Do it Right the First Time.
