HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – Base officials will host activities throughout April to honor the resilience and sacrifices of military children as part of the Month of the Military Child.
This annual observance, recognized every April, serves as a reminder of the unique challenges faced by children in military families and the unwavering support they provide to their parents in uniform.
“We are thrilled to come together as a community to celebrate military-connected children at Hanscom Air Force Base,” said Lauralee Morris, Hanscom AFB installation resident advocate and MOMC coordinator. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for us all to show our support and appreciation for the youngest members of our community.”
On April 10, beginning at 2 p.m., the fourth annual Month of the Military Child Motorized Parade will take place through housing, offering the opportunity for families to come out and join in the celebration.
One of the highlights of the month-long celebration is a Military Child Appreciation Day, or Purple Up! Day, scheduled April 15.
“On this day, the Team Hanscom community is encouraged to wear purple as a visible gesture of support and appreciation for military children and their families,” said Morris. “Purple is chosen because it symbolizes the combined colors of all branches of the military.”
Another activity is when the Youth Center hosts New England Revolution players and coaches for a free Kids Soccer Clinic April 16 from 3 to 5 p.m. Contact the Youth Center at 781-225-6043 for further information, including how to register.
The Hanscom AFB Main Exchange invites children to attend an event April 18 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., featuring games, crafts, and raffles for those who wear purple.
The Military and Family Readiness Center will host this month’s Hearts Apart program April 24 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. outside building 1240. Hearts Apart is an event designed to support families of deployed personnel, remote tour and those enrolled in the Exceptional Family Member Program, as well as single parents. Attendance is free, but registration is required.
In addition, the Hanscom AFB schools will hold a free pasta dinner to honor military families Wednesday, April 24 in the Hanscom Middle School. Families whose children are pre-kindergarten through fourth grade are invited to attend from 5 to 6 p.m. and families with fifth through sixth grade students are asked to attend from 6 to 7 p.m. Pre-registration is requested through the schools.
For further information about Month of the Military Child activities, follow the 66th Force Support Squadron or official Hanscom AFB Facebook pages.