Strengthen the Spirit of Virginia
Strengthen the Spirit of Virginia
By virtue of the authority vested by the Constitution of Virginia in the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, there is hereby officially recognized:
Month of the Military Child
WHEREAS, the Commonwealth of Virginia is proud to be home to more than 77,000 public school children whose parents serve in the military stationed in Virginia; and
WHEREAS, Virginia has the highest number of military school-aged children in the nation and is committed to being an active participant in the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children, which facilitates military children transitioning in school systems across state lines; and
WHEREAS, the children of our service members continue to make significant contributions to schools, communities, the nation, and our Commonwealth, despite prolonged and repeated absences of one or both parents; and
WHEREAS, Virginia’s public and private schools remain committed to the care and education of the children of the men and women of our Armed Forces; and
WHEREAS, the Virginia Department of Education and the Virginia Council on the Interstate Compact for Military Children have awarded the Purple Star Designation to 421 schools, 148 of which have been awarded twice, for their excellence in supporting military connected children and their families; and
WHEREAS, many school divisions in the Commonwealth prioritize military families in out-of-zone and out-of-district enrollment policies to eliminate access barriers; and
WHEREAS, by partnering with school liaison officers, military leaders, educators, and community organizations, the Virginia Department of Education provides the unique support needed for military service members and their families during all stages of transition and deployment; and
WHEREAS, April is the Month of the Military Child, a special month to recognize and pay tribute to military families and their children for the daily sacrifices made and for their commitment, courage, and unconditional support of our Armed Forces; and
WHEREAS, Month of the Military Child reaffirms our commitment to ensuring excellence in schools, childcare and early learning options, and youth services to military children who face unique challenges that other children their age never experience;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Glenn Youngkin, do hereby recognize April 2024, as MONTH OF THE MILITARY CHILD in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.