Did You Know Military Children are Honored Proudly in April

There is a lot to celebrate in the month of April but I must admit the one National Days celebration that is nearest to my heart is the Month of the Military Child. If you didn't know by now, I am an Army Brat. There is a National Day for that too on April 30th.

I am proud to call myself a military kid. It was an amazing way to grow up. Not only did I get to travel all over the United States, but I also got to see London, and Singapore and spend 10 months living in Indonesia. I would share photos but all of this was in the 1970s before social media.

New York Celebrates the Military Child

Nowadays, social media is helping military kids keep track of each other from move to move. When I was globetrotting with my family as a kid, we would only spend about a year in each place. Your only hope for a longtime friend was if their dad got transferred to the same military base as your dad. The upside was you were always making new friends.

Fun fact from the National Day Calendar about military kids

About 1 in 25 Americans is a Military Brat. Since the Department of Defense did not keep precise records of military personnel’s children, no one knows the exact number. Nonetheless, those children make up a cultural group whose members live in all 50 states, in most American Territories, and in numerable foreign countries. (via Nationa Day Calendar)

New York Governor Hochul Celebrates Military Child

So what about April being the Month of the Military Child? According to the National Days Calendar, The Department of Defense Military Community and Family Policy sponsors the month of April each year. Back on April 4th, Governor Kathy Hochul issued a proclamation celebrating April as the Month of the Military Child. She asked that certain New York Landmarks, including the Mid Hudson Bridge that joins Poughkeepsie and Highland, NY, light up purple on April 4th in honor of the military child.

PATRICK TEWEY

Other organizations and places are also offering specials during the month of April. The Hotel Thayer at West Point posted on Facebook an offer to all Military kids 12 and under for the month of April. You can also find out more at Military.com and Military Connection.

Places in the Hudson Valley That Offer Military Discounts to Service Members

Regal Cinemas - Fishkill and Poughkeepsie offer military pricing for veterans, active, and retirees all you need is your Military ID at the box office.

Lowes - enroll online Most discounts are 10% and then your MyLowe's account will work online or in-store.

Taco Bell offers various discounts they say simply ask and have a valid Military ID.

Many other places will offer a discount such as our local county fairs and often the events they hold on their grounds. If you aren't sure if a place offers a discount or even a special incentive be sure to ask.

West Point, NY Cemetary the Resting Place for 28 Distinguished People

28 Distinguished Historic Figures Buried at West Point Cemetery

New York State is rich in history. West Point Cemetery acts as a national historic landmark and the final resting place for 28 historic figures. From Medal of Honor recipients and Military leaders to astronauts and other Military heroes, their final resting place can be found right here in the Hudson Valley.