WHEREAS, the Commonwealth of Virginia is home to one of the nation’s largest military populations, educating thousands of school‑age military‑connected children, more than any other state in the nation; and

WHEREAS, military children experience frequent relocations—moving every 2–3 years and attending six to nine different schools before graduation — creating academic, social, and emotional challenges that require strong community and school support; and

WHEREAS, the average military‑connected student faces more than two school transitions during high school, and approximately 10–12% of these students receive special education services, underscoring the need for continuity and flexibility in educational planning; and

WHEREAS, Virginia has implemented the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children to ensure smoother transitions in enrollment, placement, records transfer, and graduation requirements for military‑connected students; and

WHEREAS, the Virginia Department of Education provides resources and support for military children throughout the year, including the Wall of Honor Program, Purple Up Day and Military Child Certificate of Recognition; and

WHEREAS, throughout the United States, the month of April is recognized as the Month of the Military Child, a time to honor the resilience, strength, and contributions of military children, whose adaptability and courage reflect the highest values of the Commonwealth and the nation;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Abigail D. Spanberger, do hereby recognize April 2026, as MONTH OF THE MILITARY CHILD in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.