Every April, purple takes over military communities in a powerful display of love and gratitude for our nation’s youngest heroes: our military children. It is the Month of the Military Child, and is a time dedicated to recognizing the resilience, courage and global experiences of the children who grow up in service to their country, often navigating change and uncertainty with incredible strength.
From bases in the United States to overseas installations, military children are celebrated for their adaptability, emotional intelligence and the remarkable global perspective they develop through their unique way of life.
At Humphreys Central Elementary School on Camp Humphreys in South Korea, that recognition recently came to life in color, connection and school spirit. Students, staff and families joined together for a weeklong celebration of military children and the lives they lead across borders and cultures.
A week of celebration and support
At Humphreys Central, #MilKidsWeek was more than just a theme — it was an experience. Carefully planned and joyfully executed by school staff and Parent Teacher Student Organization (PTSO) volunteers, each day offered students recognition, as well as a deeper sense of community and belonging.
“It is tough being so far from home but this community is close-knit and very supportive of one another,” said PTSO president Nicki Cornelius.
The week started with a warm welcome with cheering and clapping for students as they walked in the front doors Monday morning, setting the tone for a week built on encouragement. A campus-wide design contest drew hundreds of creative entries to create a custom Purple Up! t-shirt, freely given to over 1,000 participants. On Purple Up! Day, more than 825 students and 100 staff gathered in a sea of purple for a school-wide parade and photo, an inspiring symbol of unity and pride that radiated across the campus. On Friday night, students and families filled the school for a glow party. Lighting up the school with laughter, music and color as everyone celebrated the finale of an unforgettable week. The school’s message was clear: we honor military children who are strong at heart, whose light shines around the world.
In a place where neighbors often become like family, events like #MilKidsWeek bring families together and offer shared joy. Even as life in the military remains in motion, these occasions anchor families in a sense of place and purpose.
Resilience, courage and a global view
Military children experience a level of change that most kids never encounter. By the time they reach high school, the average military child has attended more than seven different schools. They adapt to new homes, new classrooms, new languages and sometimes entirely new cultures.
While that level of change might seem daunting, it also brings a powerful gift: the opportunity to build a global perspective and experience a vibrant, multicultural life. These experiences shape them into citizens of the world — young people with emotional intelligence, empathy and resilience well beyond their years.
Celebrating our military children means recognizing not just the hardships, but the extraordinary people they become because of it. They are cultural connectors and community builders, strengthening bridges between nations. Their stories and experiences are a living reminder that our military community is not confined to any one place — it stretches across continents, linked by the strength and spirit of its youngest members.
More than a month — a movement of recognition
Humphreys Central Elementary School’s #MilKidsWeek was a campus-wide celebration of identity, strength and belonging for students, many of whom have already lived in multiple countries and moved more times than most adults. The week was a reminder that their experiences matter and that their resilience is not only seen but celebrated.
While April marks the Month of the Military Child, Camp Humphreys proves that this is a movement of recognition to show military children —especially those living far from home— that they are valued. Their globally shaped experiences are not just challenges, but powerful building blocks for empathy, confidence and leadership.
Honoring the heart of our community
As celebrations unfold across the globe —from Germany to Georgia, Alaska to Japan— this month reminds us of the vital role our military children play in our community. Their lives are shaped by adaptability, courage and connection. Through every school change, cultural shift and time zone crossed, they help build bridges between people and nations.
They are not only part of the military community: they are its heartbeat.
