[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 71 (Tuesday, April 29, 2025)]
[House]
[Page H1692]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          RECOGNIZING APRIL AS THE MONTH OF THE MILITARY CHILD

  (Mr. Thompson of Pennsylvania was recognized to address the House for 
5 minutes.)
  Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
April as the Month of the Military Child. While we rightly honor the 
service and sacrifice of the men and women in our military, April 
reminds us that service comes in many forms.
  We are celebrating the more than 1.6 million children whose parents 
serve in the Active Duty, Guard, and Reserve Components of the United 
States military.
  Our troops answer the call to defend our Nation. Yet, when they do, 
their children are quietly called to service, too.
  These young people grow up in a world defined by constant change, 
showing remarkable resilience, patriotism, and adaptability. They move 
from base to base, often starting over time and time again. They say 
good-bye to friends more times than they can remember.

                              {time}  1045

  They celebrate birthdays and holidays with one parent thousands of 
miles away. They carry worry, pride, hope, and responsibility, 
sometimes all at once.
  This month, we pause to recognize that while our servicemembers 
protect our freedoms, their children carry the emotional weight of that 
commitment. They sacrifice stability, time with their parents, and the 
comfort of staying in one place, and they do it all with a resilience 
that is nothing short of remarkable.
  This month is a special time to recognize and uplift a group of young 
people whose strength and sacrifice often go unnoticed.
  This is personal for me, not only as an American who deeply respects 
our Armed Forces but also as a parent of a servicemember.
  I have watched firsthand what it means to serve, not just for the 
person in uniform but for the entire family. I have seen how military 
children shoulder more than many adults will ever have to.
  As a parent, I know how hard it is to be away from your child, but I 
also know the pride that comes with seeing them live with purpose, 
discipline, and honor.
  Our military families, especially the children, live those values 
every single day. That is why we celebrate them throughout April. 
During this month, one of the most meaningful days we observe is Purple 
Up! Day. On Purple Up! Day, people are encouraged to wear purple as a 
visible show of support for military-connected youth.
  Why purple? Because purple is the combined color of all the military 
branches. It blends each branch's colors: the Air Force, Navy, Space 
Force, and Coast Guard's blues, the Army's green, and the Marines' red. 
Together, they create purple, symbolizing the unity and strength of our 
military families.
  Military children may not enlist, but they endure the impact of 
service. Through it all, they develop strength, compassion, and 
character that make them leaders in their own right.
  Mr. Speaker, let's honor not just the men and women who serve but the 
families behind them, especially the children who carry this unique 
burden with incredible grace. They, too, are part of what keeps this 
Nation strong.
  I thank every military child--past, present, and future--for their 
strength, sacrifice, and spirit.

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