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SUBJ/Month of the Military Child// 
 
RMKS/1.  This April, please join me in celebrating our military 
children as we remind ourselves of the unique challenges they face. 
Our Navy and Marine Corps members serve around the world, but as 
they answer our Nation's call to serve, we often forget about the 
sacrifices their children endure.  Missed opportunities to have 
their parent or guardian celebrate the homerun they hit, a masterful 
recital performance, or a birthday are all experiences that are all 
too familiar and distinctive to military children.  The challenges 
persist when a new duty station may take them away from friends and 
the neighborhood they recognize.  In the face of these and other 
challenges, the resilience of our military children is laudable. 
Our commitment to them should match. 
 
2.  Throughout the Month of the Military Child, we recommit to 
supporting this resiliency and honoring their individuality.  The 
opportunities offered through our Child and Youth, School Liaison, 
and Morale, Welfare, and Recreation programs, for example, are part 
of a holistic effort to build a sense of community around them. 
Building a sense of community builds a sense of stability in their 
world of constant change. 
 
3.  This month, join me in wearing and displaying the color purple, 
which combines the colors of all military branches and represents 
military children from across the Department of Defense.  With 
purple, we can show our military children that their care and 
support is a universal commitment found within their families, 
communities, schools, and across the Navy and Marine Corps. 
 
4.  Parents and guardians, you are the first touch point in a 
child's continuum of care and education.  The Navy and Marine Corps 
are committed to providing you with resources and opportunities as 
you help your children not only grow but thrive.  Our Fleet and 
Family Support Centers and Marine Corps Community Services are 
filled with information to assist you.  MilitaryOneSource.mil is 
also an invaluable tool for caregivers, stockpiled with content to 
help children and families navigate everything from the 
uncertainties of a permanent change of station or the deployment of 
a Sailor or Marine. 
 
5.  We must not forget that taking care of our military children 
goes beyond ensuring mission readiness.  We dedicate ourselves to 
the care of our children because they deserve it.  It is a shared 
responsibility - a responsibility we all have to provide our 
children with the resources, care, and compassion they need to 
foster their resiliency and individuality.  Their care is our solemn 
duty. 
 
6.  Released by the Honorable Carlos Del Toro, Secretary of the Navy.// 
 
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