Elkins Stands with Military Kids: Mayor Marco Proclaims ‘Purple Up!’ Day

They don’t wear uniforms. Many are too young to salute. Nevertheless, military children serve alongside their parents in ways many civilians never see.

This April, the City of Elkins is making sure they feel seen, and recognizes the sacrifices of military children nationwide during Month of the Military Child.

Mayor Jerry A. Marco has officially proclaimed tomorrow, April 15, 2026, as “Purple Up! Day” in Elkins, joining communities across the nation in honoring the estimated 1.6 million military children who navigate a life often defined by sacrifice, separation, and resilience. Purple Up! Day is part of a month-long commemoration of the sacrifices and contribution military children make to our country.

“These children often endure long periods of separation from one or both parents due to military duties, frequently relocating and adapting to new environments, schools, and communities,” the proclamation reads.

Why Purple?

The gesture is simple but powerful: wear purple. The color symbolizes all five branches of the military — Army green, Navy blue, Air Force blue, Marine red, and Coast Guard blue—blended into one unified shade. It’s a clear, visible, and poignant way for a community to say: We see you. We support you. You are not alone.

The nationwide “Purple Up! For Military Kids” initiative began in 2011 through the University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension’s 4-H Military Youth and Family Program. Since then, schools, military installations, and cities across the country have adopted the tradition each April, which has been recognized as the Month of the Military Child since 1986 by former Defense Secretary Caspar Weinberger.

More Than a Color

For military kids, the challenges are real. Research has shown that factors like deployment length, parenting stress during a parent’s absence, and frequent moves can predict challenging emotional and behavioral outcomes for children from military families. Military children change schools at a rate of six to nine times between kindergarten and high school graduation—far more than their civilian peers. Each move means new teachers, new friends, new routines, and often, a parent missing in action overseas.

At the same time, research highlights protective factors: family cohesion, adaptability, and community support together make a measurable difference in how many military children live their lives.

That’s where Elkins comes in.

“By wearing purple on this day, the citizens of Elkins will show solidarity and gratitude to military children for their strength and sacrifices,” says Mayor Marco, “acknowledging that their support enables their parents to serve our nation effectively.”

How to Participate

The city encourages all residents, businesses, and schools to wear purple on Wednesday, April 15. Schools are also encouraged to consider additional activities — from morning clap-ins to writing letters of gratitude — to ensure military-connected students feel the community’s embrace.

“The goal of ‘Purple Up! For Military Kids’ is for military youth to SEE the support of their schools, after school programs, youth groups, and the entire community,” according to Fort Campbell’s recent observance announcement.

For Elkins families with a parent in uniform—whether active duty, National Guard, or reserves — April 15 is their children’s day. The city is asking everyone else to show up in purple and say thank you.

Communication Manager’s note: Purple Up! Day is observed nationwide on April 15, 2026. Community members across the U.S. are encouraged to share photos wearing purple on social media using #PurpleUp and #MonthoftheMilitaryChild.