MONTH OF THE MILITARY CHILD

Many children all across the country have parents serving in the military. This can be challenging for families given the logistics of moving post every few months, extended periods of separation, and the toll this takes on relationships. That's where the Month of the Military Child comes in.

There is fantastic work being done by charities and organisations to support military families, from novel means to keeping in touch during overseas deployments, to counseling for those who have suffered bereavement, and much much more. During April, the Month of the Military Child, these initiatives will receive well-deserved coverage, but the amazing people who run the programmes are committed to the cause all year round.

We thought it would be interesting to look into the origins of this celebration. Back in 1986, US Secretary of Defence Caspar Weinberger, a Republican who served in the White House during Ronald Reagan’s presidency, decreed that April be the Month of the Military Child. He did this to honour the many sacrifices made by the children of serving and former Armed Forces personnel. As Defence Secretary he was well placed to appreciate this.

While the concept may have been born in the USA, the Month of the Military Child is also recognised here in the UK. We know just how important family is in the wider Forces community - one need only look at past winners of the Soldiering On Awards to see inspirational individuals and organisations doing incredible work.