Celebrating Our Youngest Heroes: The Month of the Military Child

Written By Cherice Taylor

Every April, schools and communities across the nation pause to recognize the "littlest heroes" among us. Since its inception in 1986, the Month of the Military Child has served as a dedicated time to honor the resilience, courage, and unique sacrifices of the children whose parents serve in the U.S. Armed Forces. The theme for April 2026 is “Military Children and Youth: Strength in Every Story,” a nod to the diverse experiences of the more than 1.6 million military-connected children worldwide.

Purple Up! Day: April 15, 2026

The highlight of the month is Purple Up! Day, held Wednesday, April 15. On this day, students and staff are encouraged to wear purple. Purple symbolizes the combination of all military branch colors representing unity across the entire military family.

Resilience Across the Grades

Military children face unique challenges, like frequent moves and parental deployments. On average, a military child will attend six to nine different schools before high school graduation.

  • Elementary (K–5): Students often focus on the "Dandelion," the official flower of the military child, because it can take root and bloom anywhere. Schools may host "Wall of Honor" displays with photos of military parents.

  • Middle School (6–8): Peer support is vital. Many schools utilize Student-to-Student (S2S) programs to help new arrivals navigate social transitions.

  • High School (9–12): Older students focus on credit transfers and graduation requirements. They often lead "Purple Up" pep rallies and mentor younger peers through transition challenges.


Support at Marine Corps Base Quantico

For families stationed at MCB Quantico, the School Liaison Program serves as the primary bridge between the military command and local school districts. School Liaisons assist families with school transitions, special education navigation, and local enrollment requirements in Prince William, Stafford, and Spotsylvania counties.

Quantico Base Highlights:

  • Quantico Middle High School (QMHS): Look for spirit weeks including "Patriotic Day" and special "Purple Up" ceremonies.

  • Liaison Assistance: Liaisons provide "Welcome Aboard" resources and help navigate the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children, ensuring students aren't penalized for moving.

Helpful Resources

  • Military OneSource: Comprehensive support for deployment and relocation.

  • Tutor.com for Military: Free, on-demand online tutoring for K–12 students.

  • Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC): Resources for school transitions and leadership camps.

  • MIC3 (Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission): Information on laws protecting military students during moves.

  • MCB Quantico School Liaison Office

Cherice Taylor

Cherice Taylor, M.A. Education Administration, is a Part-Time Career Advisor for Germanna Community College. She is the 2022-2023 Past President of the Rotary Club of Stafford and a Charter Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Psi Psi Omega Chapter. She is a relationship builder, poet and a former educator with over 10 years experience at the preschool through high school levels. Cherice earned her Bachelor's degree from UCLA and her Masters in Education Administration from California State University- Dominguez Hills. She is married to LCDR Eric Taylor (retired) and a mother of four sons. A positive attitude and the belief that sharing pearls of wisdom along with the Golden Rule allows for everyone to improve and reach their personal goals. This is demonstrated in the podcast show that she hosts, Time Matters Podcast! Cherice believes that if we all do better, then we all do better, and that is why Cherice is involved in the community.

Previous

Youth for Planetary Health: Students Take Action for a Healthier Future
Next

FailSafe-ERA: Sounding the Alarm on Cycles of Incarceration