[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 45 (Monday, April 8, 2013)]
[Senate]
[Page S2454]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        OBSERVING PURPLE UP DAY

 Mr. BEGICH. Mr. President, I would like to call attention to 
Purple Up! for Military Kids Day in Alaska celebrated on April 19th as 
part of the Month of the Military Child. Every April since 1986, to 
honor the unique contributions and sacrifices military children make in 
support of their parents, the Department of Defense names April as the 
Month of the Military Child.
  On a designated day in April, people across the United States and in 
Alaska come together by wearing purple in honor of our servicemembers' 
children. Nationwide, more than two million kids have a parent or 
parents serving in either an Active Duty or Reserve role for the U.S. 
Armed Forces. In my home State of Alaska, more than 13,000 children 
have one or more parents on full-time duty status in the military.
  Purple Up! is a fun way to show our support and is an opportunity to 
call attention to these special challenges faced by military kids.
  The frequent moves and multiple deployments faced by these families 
add even more strain to the difficult task of growing up. These 
children bravely face the uncertainty of their parent's safety when 
they are away, as well as the difficult reintegration when they return.
  It is important for these military-connected youth to know that their 
Nation and community stand by them in support, and that we recognize 
their strength and the sacrifices they have made. I ask Alaskans to 
join me in wearing something purple on Purple Up! Day and participate 
in events during the Month of the Military Child to show our gratitude, 
such as conducted by the University of Alaska's Cooperative Extension 
Service and Alaska Operation Military Kids.

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