Thousands of South Dakota children are seperated from their familes in a way that is bittersweet. However, kids with a mom or dad serving in the military should stand tall and be proud of the uniform their parents wear.

April marks the nation's "Month of the Military Child," a time to honor military youth in communities who have been impacted by deployments, as well as the unique opportunities and challenges that all military children face.

The South Dakota National Guard encourages everyone to join in and be part of "Purple Up! For Military Kids Day," being held Friday, April 15.

South Dakota schools, communities, businesses and organizations are being encouraged to wear purple on that date as a tangible way to show their support and thank all military children for their strength and sacrifices.

"This is a perfect time to celebrate military children and to recognize their character, strength and resilience," said Taryn Broomfield, SDNG Child & Youth Program lead coordinator. "Our military youth are impacted daily, whether their service member is home, deployed, at drill, or away attending training or school."

There are more than 7,100 military children in South Dakota with parents or guardians who serve in the National Guard, Reserves and active duty.

Gov. Dennis Daugaard demonstrated his support of military kids by signing a proclamation announcing April 2016 as the Month of the Military Child.

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