South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster proclaimed April as “Month of the Military Child” during a proclamation reading at the State House, Tuesday, March 31.
Surrounded by military members and their families, Gov. McMaster again announced April as Month of the Military Child. April is nationally recognized to show appreciation to the children of service members who make sacrifices for their parents’ service including frequent moves, school transitions and separation from parents.
During the day’s activities at the state house the military families from the South Carolina National Guard were recognized by the South Carolina Senate, as well as the House of Representatives during the day at the state’s Capitol followed by a tour. South Carolina’s Adjutant General, U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Robin Stilwell, and Senior Enlisted Leader, U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Norris McCall also attended.
South Carolina Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Todd McCaffrey opened the day’s ceremony speaking to the assembled crowd of service members and their families before turning to Governor McMaster who spoke to the children and families prior to reading this year’s proclamation.
“We are proud of you. We are proud of you being a military child,” McMaster said.
Across the state of South Carolina there are seven major military installations in addition to the nearly 10,000 South Carolina National Guard members. Children of military parents may need additional support and resources. To assist military families and children the South Carolina Department of Education, in partnership with the South Carolina Department of Veterans Affairs, manages the Purple Star Schools program. This program provides support to military families and schools with the educational as well as social-emotional challenges these children face.
Military children will move six to nine times before graduating high school and many experience absences of a parent who has deployed – often missing important milestones and holidays. There are 17 Purple Star School Districts in South Carolina supporting the 38,000 military-connected children in the state.
State Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver spoke to the military children in attendance highlighting their sacrifices as their parents serve in the military.
“That’s why this month matters and that’s why it matters that we are here to recognize our military children today,” Weaver said. “And we say it clearly. We see you; we honor you and we are grateful for you.”
The Month of the Military Child was established in 1986 by Secretary of Defense Casper Weinberger. The month-long observance acknowledges the important role military children play in their communities and honors their strength, bravery and resilience.