WHEREAS, the Commonwealth of Virginia is proud to be home to more than 76,000 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, in partnership with the Virginia Department of Education, 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 262 schools for their excellence in supporting military connected children and their families; 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 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 2022 as MONTH OF THE MILITARY CHILD in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of our citizens.