JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Maryland –
The Child Development Center's staff and children kicked-off Month of the Military Child with a "Purple Parade, April 1-3, 2015.
During the parade the children marched around the CDCs holding signs and sporting purple to show their pride in being military children.
The MoMC, established in 1986 by former Secretary of Defense Casper Wienberg, aims to honor the sacrifice and service of more than 1.9 million U.S. military children around the world.
According to the Department of Defense, "Military children make up a special part of our nation's population. Although young, these brave sons and daughters stand in steadfast support of their military parents through moves and deployments."
Deployments, Temporary Duty, training missions and Permanent Change of Station moves are all common aspects of military life and the service member is not the only one who has to embrace and adapt to this ever-changing lifestyle.
"Our children go through a lot, but they are resilient," said Matrice Adger, 11th Force Support Squadron assistant director of youth programs. "They are asked at a moment's notice to relocate, go to new schools and find new friends, which can be challenging."
To highlight the sacrifice and support of the military children, Joint Base Andrews Child Development Centers, Youth Center, and the Military Family Support Center are hosting a variety of events nearly every day this month.
A few events to note include; the CDC's Lunch on the Lawn, JBA Youth Program's creative essay contest and parent education classes at the M&FSC.
On April 15, Military Kids Day, parents are encouraged to "Purple Up" by wearing purple to help support military children.
"These children are unique in the sense that they have to handle the deployment of their mother or father being gone for months at a time and for that we want them to know we appreciate their sacrifice," Matrice said.
For more information about events highlighting the MoMC please click here.