(BOSTON, MA) – On Monday, April 8, the Massachusetts Senate and House of Representatives adopted a Joint Resolution recognizing the American Legion Auxiliary — Department of Massachusetts and celebrating Purple Up Day for Military Children on April 15, 2024. This Resolution was led by Senators Jo Comerford and John Velis and Representatives Jon Zlotnik and Susannah Whipps.
Former U.S. Secretary of Defense Caspar Weinberger first designated April as the “Month of the Military Child” in 1986, acknowledging the significant role military-connected children play in our communities. On a designated day during the Month of the Military Child, communities throughout each state join and wear purple to honor military children. Purple is a combination of Army green; Marine Corps red; and Coast Guard, Air Force, Space Force, and Navy blue. As such, it represents military children from all branches.
“Here in Massachusetts, we not only recognize and appreciate the selflessness our active duty military members, we also recognize the challenges that their families and children face, whether that be going periods without seeing a parent to frequently moving around and switching schools,” remarked Senator John Velis (D-Westfield), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs. “Last session the Legislature took tremendous strides with the SPEED Act to ease the transition of military children and families moving to the Commonwealth, and I am proud to join Senator Jo Comerford, Representatives Zlotnik and Whipps in continuing that work to recognize the
many military connected children across Massachusetts this April.”
“Children who have parents or caregivers in the military face unique and often difficult challenges that should be recognized,” said Senator Jo Comerford (D-Northampton), co-presenter of the Resolution. “I am deeply grateful to partner with Senator Velis and Representatives Zlotnik and Whipps to lead the legislature in recognizing the American Legion Auxiliary — Department of Massachusetts for celebrating Purple Up Day for Military Children.”
“It is critically important that we recognize the sacrifices that our service members make each and every day in service to our nation,” said Representative Jonathan Zlotnik (D-Gardner). “It is also important that we recognize that families of service members also make immense sacrifices while they are away from home. I was happy to work with Senators Comerford and Velis and Representative Whipps to help recognize the important contributions and the sacrifices that military children and families throughout the Commonwealth make each and every day.”
“The sacrifices made by our military families, especially the children of those serving, warrant praise,” said Representative Susannah Whipps (I-Athol). “We are grateful for their contribution, and I feel it is very fitting to recognize military children across the Commonwealth and across the nation.”
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