Proclaiming April of 2026, to Be the "Month of the Military Child" in the State of Rhode Island

WHEREAS, Across our nation, and here in the State of Rhode Island, children in military families sacrifice much in order to allow their parents to serve our nation and protect our liberty. In this month of April, people are encouraged to show support for our military and veteran children, and to thank them for their strength and the sacrifices they have made and continue to make; and

WHEREAS, Approximately two million military children in the United States have experienced a parental deployment since 2001, and currently, approximately 1.6 million have an active-duty parent worldwide. The average military student faces transition challenges every two or three years, and most military children attend six to nine different school systems from kindergarten through the th grade. Taking care of our military children sustains our nation's fighting force and strengthens the health and safety of our nation's families and communities; and

WHEREAS, The Middletown School District serves the largest number of military kids in the State, with approximately 324 military-connected students, amounting to approximately percent of the student population; and

WHEREAS, April th is also "PURPLE UP! FOR MILITARY KIDS" Day. The month of April is a time to recognize the service and sacrifices of our military members, their families, and especially their children. "These children deserve our support!" The 2026 theme is "Military Children and Youth: Strength in Every Story". It focuses on celebrating the resilience and experiences of military-connected children; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby proclaims April of 2026, to be the "Month of the Military Child" in Rhode Island; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the Middletown School Committee, and Middletown School Superintendent, William J. Niemeyer.