Purple Up Day
Purple Up Day is an annual observance dedicated to honoring military children and raising awareness of the unique challenges they face. Celebrated on April 15, this day encourages individuals, schools, and communities to wear purple as a sign of support for military kids, recognizing their resilience and sacrifices.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: April 15
- Tagged as: Purple Up! Day
- What’s the hashtag?: #PurpleUp #MoMC
- When was it founded?: 2011
- Who founded it?: University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension Military Youth and Family Program
History of Purple Up Day
Purple Up Day is part of the Month of the Military Child, which was established in 1986 by former Secretary of Defense Caspar Weinberger. This month-long observance aims to recognize the sacrifices made by military children whose parents serve in the armed forces. The specific initiative of Purple Up Day began in 2011 to provide a focused opportunity for communities to show their appreciation for military kids.
Timeline
- 1986: Month of the Military Child established by Caspar Weinberger.
- 2011: Purple Up Day initiated by the University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension.
- April 15, 2024: First observed Purple Up Day.
Dates by Next Year 2025 to 2030
| Year | Month and Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | April 15 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | April 15 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | April 15 | Thursday |
| 2028 | April 15 | Saturday |
| 2029 | April 15 | Sunday |
| 2030 | April 15 | Monday |
Observed
Purple Up Day is observed in various ways across communities:
- Schools encourage students and staff to wear purple.
- Local events may be organized to recognize military families.
- Social media campaigns promote awareness using hashtags like #PurpleUp.
Fun Facts About Purple Up Day
- The color purple symbolizes all branches of the military, combining Army green, Marine red, Navy blue, Air Force blue, Coast Guard blue, and Space Force colors.
- There are over 1.6 million military children in the United States who face unique challenges due to their parents’ service.
Quiz
- What color do you wear on Purple Up Day?
- Answer: Purple
- Who founded Purple Up Day?
- Answer: University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension Military Youth and Family Program
- When is Purple Up Day celebrated?
- Answer: April 15
Answers:
*1. Purple
- University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension Military Youth and Family Program
- April 15*
FAQs
Q: Who can participate in Purple Up Day?
A: Anyone can participate! Individuals, schools, organizations, and communities are encouraged to wear purple and show support for military children.
Q: Is Purple Up Day a national holiday?
A: No, it is not a national holiday but a day of awareness celebrated at local levels.
Q: Why is purple chosen as the color for this day?
A: Purple represents all branches of the military as it combines their respective colors.
Related
- Month of the Military Child events
- Support programs for military families
- Community initiatives recognizing military contributions
