by Airman 1st Class Peter Reft
354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
4/29/2013 - EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska -- Robert
M. Crawford Elementary School students celebrated Purple Up Day April
19, 2013, honoring military children who make unique sacrifices in
support of their active duty mothers, fathers, sisters and brothers.
Alaska recently adopted Purple Up Day last year to show support for an
estimated 13,000 children in the state who have active duty and deployed
parents.
"It is important for these military-connected youth to know that their
Nation and community stand by them in support, and that we recognize
their strength and the sacrifices they have made," said Senator Mark
Begich in a Congressional Record observing Purple Up Day. "I ask
Alaskans to join me in wearing something purple on Purple Up Day."
During an assembly in the school gymnasium, Candi Dierenfield, Alaska's
military liaison for the 4-H Youth Development Organization, spoke to
the Crawford Elementary students about their importance as a military
family member. She thanked them for their part in supporting their
parents.
Dierenfield asked for those with active duty parents to stand with
pride. Almost every child rose and shouted in unison. Candi reminded
those still sitting that they have their own duty to support their
friends who have deployed family members.
"Some of the children have heartbreakingly not had their parents come
back or come back very different," said Dierenfiled. "It's a great way
to show our support for them and just to thank them."
The children demonstrated their pride during the assembly by singing the
national anthem, God Bless the USA, America the Beautiful and the Air
Force Song.
Guest speaker 2nd Lt. Shaina Thompson, 354th Force Support Squadron
executive officer, emphasized the importance of the children to service
members and how FSS dedicates so many resources just for them.
"You guys are the ones there when we get home," said Thompson. "We get
to hang out with you and you're very important to your family. They love
you very much."
April is the Month of the Military Child and Purple Up Day is a
dedicated time for military families to commemorate their children. The
New Hampshire 4-H chapter started the event in 1986 as a way to
celebrate and thank military children nation-wide.
The color purple represents all military service branches and is also
the resulting color when combining the colors of each service: Army
green, Air Force blue, Navy blue, Coast Guard blue, and Marine red.
Different events for the children of military families were spread
throughout April, including luncheons with parents, arts and crafts,
assemblies with speakers and singers and themed gatherings. A Scooby Doo
mystery party is scheduled for April 27 from 2-4 p.m. at the youth
center.
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
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