Purple up for military kids April 13

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Massachusetts Operation: Military Kids is encouraging everyone across the state to wear purple April 13 as a visible way to show support and thank military children for their strength and sacrifices as part of the second annual "Purple Up! For Military Kids" day.

OMK officials hope everyone will take this opportunity to appreciate and celebrate these young heroes. Purple is the color that symbolizes all branches of the military, as it is the combination of Army green, Coast Guard blue, Air Force blue, Marine red and Navy blue.

Since April marks the nation's Month of the Military Child, a time to honor youth impacted by deployment, OMK, part of the 4-H Youth Development program of UMass Cooperative Extension, along with state and national partners, the Boys & Girls Clubs, the National Association of Child Care Resources & Referral Agencies, the Military Education Coalition, Army Child Youth & School Services, the Massachusetts Air National Guard and the American Legion, invite the community to join in on this special day.

Governor Patrick is issuing a proclamation declaring April the Month of the Military Child in Massachusetts and April 13, 2012, as Purple Up for Military Kids Day in the Commonwealth. Similar efforts are occurring in the Massachusetts House and Senate as they issue resolutions in honor of the service military children provide to the nation and in recognition of the special day.

Locally at Hanscom, many events are planned throughout the month to honor military children. For a complete listing, visit www.hanscom.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123295740.

Anyone who takes photos of the purple celebrations in a workplace or community setting, is invited to send the photos to info@BoysGirlsClubCapeCod.org and they will post them on the Massachusetts OMK website, where military youth and families from across the state can see them. Those who submit photos are asked to make sure that everyone in the photo has given permission to have it posted online.

For further information about OMK, visit www.operationmilitarykids.org.