Shades of Purple

Each April, we proudly celebrate the Month of the Military Child, a time to recognize and honour the strength, resilience, and adaptability of children growing up in military families. In the United States, the Purple Up! initiative invites families and communities to wear purple as a visual show of support and appreciation for the unique challenges military children face.

Purple symbolizes the combined colours of all military branches, making it a powerful unifying colour for this occasion. But beyond its military meaning, purple has long been associated with creativity, wisdom, dignity, pride, and independence—qualities that shine brightly in military children.

There are over 140 recognized shades of purple—from lilac and lavender to thistle, heliotrope, and purple pizzazz. In the same way, military children come in many “shades”: each one different, each one adapting in their own way to the demands of military life. A new posting means uprooting everything familiar: adjusting to a new country, a new school, new friends, and often a completely new environment. While adults may have already developed coping strategies through life experience, children and youth are still growing and developing—and may face these changes with varying degrees of ease or difficulty.

Some children thrive and embrace the adventure. Others may struggle and require more time or support to adjust. These differences can stem from internal traits, family dynamics, or the specific circumstances of a posting. Even siblings within the same household can have vastly different reactions, just like the many hues of purple.

As parents and caregivers, it’s important to recognize when a child may need additional support. If your child is having a tough time adjusting, know that there are resources available to help support their mental health and emotional well-being. Reaching out for help is not a sign of weakness—it’s a sign of strength and love.

The expectations placed on military children are immense—but what they give back is even greater. They show courage, resilience, and heart, contributing not only to their families, but to the broader military community. Just like a bouquet made up of many shades of purple, the diversity, individuality, and spirit of military children create something truly beautiful and worth celebrating.