Families and organizations gathered at the YMCA and in Hermantown on Friday, April 11 for “Purple Up,” an event to celebrate military children.

There were plenty of activities for the kids, like swimming, arts and crafts, and even some outdoor time with UMD football players.

April is designated as the Month of the Military Child by the Department of Defense and is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the unique experiences and sacrifices of military children. These kids oftentimes have to move around a lot, causing them to switch schools, make new friends, and constantly be ready to pick up again.

“Military kids are probably some of the most resilient kids that you’re ever going to meet in your life. But they are living this life with their military service member or veteran that’s in the community here. But they maybe didn’t necessarily choose this life for themselves, but they’re still serving and doing their part to support their service member. And so, it’s really important that we take the time to celebrate all that they do to support and serve themselves in a way,” said Suzy Hartwick, the Airmen and Family Readiness Programs Manager for the 148th Fighter Wing.

“The Twin Ports is one of those unique areas in the world where they very much so support their military community. We have a lot of different units in the area. We have Army. We have Air. We have Coast Guard. And we have a lot of retirees that are here as well. And so, it’s just a very unique space and place in northern Minnesota that really supports our military community and our service members and veterans and their families,” said Hartwick

Purple is the official color of the military child, symbolizing unity for all the branches of the military.