Purple Up Day

Purple Up Day is a national day of appreciation for military children observed annually on April 15. This day is the centerpiece of the Month of the Military Child, providing an opportunity for communities to acknowledge the unique sacrifices made by the children of service members. By wearing purple, participants show visible support for the resilience of these young people, who often face frequent moves, school transitions, and the challenges of parental deployment.

Read also about Women in Military Service for America Memorial Anniversary, National Military Podcast Day

History of Purple Up Day

The origins of this observance trace back to 2011, when it was established by the University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension Military Youth and Family Program. The organizers wanted to create a specific day within the Month of the Military Child to provide a tangible way for the public to show their gratitude. The color purple was chosen because it is the “joint” color of the military; it is a blend of Army green, Marine Corps red, and the various shades of blue used by the Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard. This symbolizes the unity of all branches in supporting military-connected youth.

While the Month of the Military Child itself was established much earlier in 1986 by former Secretary of Defense Caspar Weinberger, Purple Up Day provided a modern, grassroots momentum to the cause. Since its inception in New Hampshire, the campaign has spread across the United States and to military installations worldwide. Schools, local governments, and major organizations now participate annually to ensure that “military brats”—a term often worn with pride—know that their own brand of service to the country is seen and valued by their neighbors. ¹

Why is Purple Up Day important?

This day is important because it highlights the “unsung heroes” of the military community. Military children move an average of six to nine times during their school years, which requires an incredible amount of adaptability and strength. Purple Up Day helps these students feel a sense of belonging in their local communities, which may not always understand the pressures of military life. Seeing a sea of purple in a school hallway or a local business sends a powerful message of solidarity to a child whose parent may be stationed thousands of miles away.

The observance also raises awareness about the specific emotional and educational needs of military-connected youth. Frequent relocations can lead to gaps in education or difficulties in forming long-term friendships. By focusing on these challenges, the day encourages schools and youth organizations to implement better support systems, such as transition programs and counseling. It serves as a reminder that the strength of the nation’s armed forces is deeply connected to the well-being of the families who support them from the home front.

• It recognizes the strength and resilience of over 1.6 million military children.
• The day promotes community awareness of the challenges related to parental deployment.
• It symbolizes the unity of all military branches through the color purple.
• Support for the day encourages schools to provide better resources for transitioning students.
• It celebrates the “dandelion” spirit of military kids who can bloom anywhere they land.

How to Observe Purple Up Day

The primary way to observe this day is by wearing purple clothing, ribbons, or accessories to work, school, or in public. Many schools with high populations of military students host “spirit weeks” leading up to the day, featuring assemblies or breakfasts to honor military-connected families. Local businesses often participate by displaying purple lights or offering special discounts to children of service members. Sharing photos of your purple attire on social media with dedicated hashtags helps the movement gain visibility and reach military families stationed overseas.

Communities can also take more active roles by organizing events like “purple picnics” or neighborhood parades. Educators can use the day to facilitate classroom discussions about what it means to be a military child, allowing these students to share their experiences and travel stories with their peers. Writing thank-you notes to military youth or donating to organizations that provide summer camps and scholarships for military children are practical ways to turn the symbolic color into tangible support.

• Wear a purple shirt or scarf to show your support for military youth.
• Ask your local school board to officially recognize the day during morning announcements.
• Share an encouraging message or a “shout out” to a military family on social media.
• Decorate your front door or office space with purple balloons and ribbons.
• Learn about the “Military Interstate Children’s Compact” to understand student rights.

Purple Up Day Dates Table

1. https://militarychild.org/resource/momc-toolkit/[↩]