TRENTON, N.J. – A resolution designating April 14 as Military Child Appreciation Day was released from the Assembly Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee Thursday.
Assembly members Gerry Scharfenberger and Vicky Flynn sponsored the resolution (SJR106/AJR198).
“It’s not just our enlisted or commissioned men and women who endure frequent moves and live with the reality that they may be away from their families for months. We have almost 2 million children in the United States whose mothers and fathers serve in the military,” Scharfenberger (R-Monmouth) said. “The children make tremendous sacrifices as well. It is appropriate we take a day to recognize the sacrifices these children don’t have a choice but to make.”
April is recognized as Military Child Appreciation Month, established in 1986 by Secretary of Defense Caspar Weinberger to increase public awareness of issues faced by children whose parents serve in the Armed Forces. As part of this effort, people are asked to wear purple to show their support for military children. The U.S. Armed Forces has also partnered with groups such as Boys & Girls Clubs of America, 4-H, and Sesame Street to offer opportunities for these children.
Last year a Republican-backed resolution naming the last full week in April every year as Military Child Appreciation Week in New Jersey was also adopted.
“Military children carry a unique burden that even many adults just don’t understand. It’s good to bring attention to the needs of these very special warriors who maybe can’t articulate everything they’re feeling, who need to know they are seen and appreciated for the sacrifices they don’t have a choice in making,” Flynn (R-Monmouth) said. “Let’s always remember them.”