As spring ushers in a season of renewal, President Joe Biden has signed a proclamation designating April 2024 as the Month of the Military Child. This annual acknowledgment pays tribute to the children of service members and veterans, recognizing the sacrifices they make as part of the larger military family. In his proclamation, President Biden highlighted the many challenges these children face, including frequent relocations and coping with the absence of deployed parents, as reported by The White House. 

"These young patriots often pack up their lives every few years, starting new schools and making new friends," the President said, acknowledging that the experience is fraught with challenges, not unlike those faced by their service member parents. Despite these difficulties, these children demonstrate an admirable level of endurance and support for their families. While these experiences forge resilience, they often go unnoticed because, unlike their parents, these kids don't don a uniform, as per The White House.

In an effort to support military families, Biden mentioned in his proclamation that he signed an Executive Order last year which launches the most comprehensive set of administrative actions to bolster the economic security of military and veteran spouses, caregivers, and survivors. The Order includes initiatives to improve access to child care and to expand the Military Parental Leave Program, ensuring service members can spend valuable time with their new children.

The administration continues to prioritize the education of military children as well, with efforts to guarantee universal pre-kindergarten and a pilot program already underway at a Department of Defense school in Japan. The First Lady's Joining Forces initiative is also contributing by making easier the school transitions and expanding health and well-being resources for military families.

This April, the country is encouraged to express gratitude towards the children of military personnel. The President calls upon Americans to wear purple as a sign of support and to participate in ceremonies and activities honoring these young heroes. It's an opportunity to show appreciation for the patriotism and sacrifice of these children who play an integral role in the nation’s military community.