DESIGNATING APRIL 2026 AS THE "MONTH OF THE MILITARY CHILD" IN THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

Legislation Document

SPONSOR:

Sen. Buckson & Rep. Harris & Rep. Chukwuocha

Sens. Hansen, Hocker, Hoffner, Huxtable, Lawson, Lockman, Pettyjohn, Pinkney, Richardson, Sokola, Wilson; Reps. Berry, Bolden, Burns, Bush, Carson, Cooke, Dukes, Griffith, K. Johnson, Lambert, D. Short, Kamela Smith, Yearick

DELAWARE STATE SENATE

153rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 169

DESIGNATING APRIL 2026 AS THE "MONTH OF THE MILITARY CHILD" IN THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

WHEREAS, thousands of brave Americans demonstrate their courage and commitment to freedom by serving in the Armed Forces of the United States both on Active Duty and in the National Guard and Reserves; and

WHEREAS, State legislation enacted in August 2015 requires that Delaware public schools have parents or guardians identify if their student is military-connected; and

WHEREAS, for the 2025-2026 school year, just over 3,400 military-connected students were reported in Delaware public schools based on parent and guardian self-reporting, excluding those in private schools and homeschools; and

WHEREAS, there are 7,780 military-connected children ages 1-18 in Delaware including those from active duty, guard, reserve, and retiree families; and

WHEREAS, Delaware is committed to being an active participant in the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children (MIC3) which facilitates military children’s transition in school systems across state lines; and

WHEREAS, Delaware is committed to encouraging our schools to earn the designation of a Delaware Purple Star School which is awarded to military-friendly schools that have demonstrated a major commitment to serving military connected families and students; and

WHEREAS, Delaware has put in place several legislative initiatives to support military families and their children, including priority in choice and charter enrollment for dependent children of active duty members of the uniformed services, National Guard, and Reserve on active duty orders; and

WHEREAS, the youth of our service members continue to make significant contributions to family, schools, communities, the nation, and our state, despite prolonged and repeated absences of one or both parents or family members; and

WHEREAS, these children are a source of pride and honor to us all, and it is only fitting that we take the time to recognize their contributions, celebrate their spirit, and let our members of the Armed Forces know that while they are taking care of us, we are helping to care for their children; and

WHEREAS, the designation of April as the “Month of the Military Child” allows us to pay tribute to military children for their commitment, patience, and courage and show our unconditional support of our troops and their family members.

NOW, THEREFORE:

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the 153rd General Assembly, the House of Representatives concurring therein, that April 2026 is hereby designated as the “Month of the Military Child” in the State of Delaware, and that all citizens, businesses, educators, and government leaders are urged to observe this month appropriately in honor, support, and appreciation of our military children.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that, in recognition of the Month of the Military Child, the members of the General Assembly encourage the Governor to illuminate key landmarks throughout Delaware in purple during the month of April to honor military-connected children.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this resolution be sent to the Governor, the Delaware Department of Education, and military support organizations to promote awareness and participation in this initiative.

SYNOPSIS

This Senate Concurrent Resolution designates April 2026 as the "Month of the Military Child" in the State of Delaware and encourages the Governor to illuminate key landmarks in purple during the month of April in honor of Delaware’s military-connected children.

Author: Senator Buckson