VFW Post 6133 in Owensville is observing Month of the Military Child through the end of April.

This is the 37th year for the program which began in 1986 under former U.S. Secretary of Defense Caspar Weinberger’s tenure during President Ronald Reagan’s administration. The celebration was started to recognize the courage and sacrifice of approximately 1.6 million children who face the challenges of having one or both parents serving in the U.S. military.

“Military Youth and Children: Strength in Every Story” shines a light on the everyday courage of military children, according to the local VFW. Their stories — filled with resilience, adaptability, and quiet strength — demonstrate the powerful character they build while growing up in a world defined by service and sacrifice. The month is designed to bring to light to and support the unique challenges that these families face, such as deployed parents, frequent moves, new schools, and leaving friends.

Many families move every two to three years, the VFW noted.

In 2011, the University of New Hampshire 4-H Extension program developed “Purple Up Day” as a visible way to support and say “we see you”
to the military youth.

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6133 Auxiliary President Tina Medlock visited each school in the Gasconade County R-2 School District on April 14 to share about the Month of the Military Child. On April 15, students were encouraged to wear purple for the day in solidarity.

Medlock thanked the students for their familys’ sacrifices as their parents served their country.

“We have bags for you today,” Medlock told a group of OHS students whose parents signed them up to receive the recognition. “How many of you, by a show of hands, knew this was happening today?”

Most of the group remained still.

“That’s alright,” Medlock said before explaining the purpose of the visit. “There are resources available only to you guys. The VFW can help with that.”

Holding up a purple draw string bag she added that the VFW was able to collaborate with the OHS t-shirt design class.

“They printed these for you,” Medlock said.

The bags contained a print of a Dandelion turned into the white puffball with the message, “Bloom where the wind carries you.” Medlock said they presented the bags to more than 80 students district-wide.

“Many were added on after we came,” she said. “But we came prepared with extras.”