Tennessee Honors Military Kids: Celebrating Resilience at Military Kids Day on the Hill

On April 2, 2025, military families, advocates, and lawmakers gathered in Tennessee on Capitol Hill to honor the dedicated children of service members during Military Kids Day. The event highlighted the unique challenges these children face, while also recognizing their strength and resilience. Students from Clarksville’s Kenwood High School, along with their parents, met with local representatives, including House Speaker Cameron Sexton and other state lawmakers from the Clarksville area. The group learned about veterans’ contributions to Tennessee history, participated in contests and games, and toured the Capitol building. Rep. Tim Glynn, who represents District 67, including Fort Campbell, expressed his pride in hosting the event for the third consecutive year, saying, “Every year has been more rewarding, and I’m honored to host this group to come here and learn about state government and have a little fun as well,” he told Clarksvillenow.com.

This celebration was part of a broader initiative to honor military children during the Month of the Military Child. Tennessee’s Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (TN-MIC3) will observe “Purple Up! For Military Kids” Day on April 16, 2025, encouraging communities to wear purple in support of military-connected children. Schools and local governments across the state will participate by organizing activities and events to recognize the sacrifices these children make, from frequent school relocations to the emotional strain of parental deployments.

Tennessee’s efforts are part of a national initiative. Kentucky’s Military Kids Day, held in February 2025, allowed military children to explore their state government, enjoy a Black Hawk helicopter display, and engage in activities designed to highlight their contributions. In Virginia, “Purple Up! For Military Kids” Day is scheduled for April 9, 2025, and Maryland will celebrate with Military Kid Day on April 12, 2025, coinciding with the Men’s Army/Navy Lacrosse Game. Additionally, the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) celebrates Military Kids Week from April 7 to April 11, 2025, with schools worldwide engaging in activities that honor military-connected students.

Tennessee has been a member of the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3) since 2011, helping address the educational challenges faced by military-connected students. One of Tennessee’s key initiatives, the Purple Star Schools Award (PSSA), launched in 2019, recognizes schools that show a strong commitment to supporting military families. This program has been widely successful, with schools across the state encouraged to apply for the Purple Star designation to demonstrate their dedication to military children.

The celebration of military children on Capitol Hill served as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by service members and their families. As we continue to celebrate these children’s strength, we must ensure they are supported not just in April but year-round. Whether through events like Military Kids Day or advocating for policies that improve educational and emotional support for military families, we must continue to recognize and uplift military children for their contributions to our communities.

Efforts to support military children extend beyond “Purple Up! For Military Kids” Day, with local businesses and governments participating by displaying purple decorations and raising awareness about the needs of military-connected students. Schools nationwide, from Virginia to Kentucky, are organizing events to honor military children’s sacrifices and foster a sense of community.

As we reflect on the impact of these events, it’s time to recognize that the resilience of military children is not just a seasonal celebration—it’s a call to action. These children are the unsung heroes who stand beside their families in service to our country. The time to honor them is now, and the work to support them must continue, every single day.