April is the Month of the Military Child, a time to recognize the strength, resilience, and sacrifices of the children who grow up in military families. These young people often face frequent moves, new schools, and time apart from a parent who is serving our country. Through it all, they show courage and strength that deserve our appreciation and support.

DVMF is proud to stand with military children and the families who care for them. In partnership with the Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Easterseals and the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, we are co-hosting Soar & Explore, an event that brings military families together for connection and support. Earlier this week, I spent a day at Urban Air & Adventure Park in Glen Burnie with more than 360 family members—from those new to Maryland to those who have called our state home for years. These were military spouses, service members, veterans, and parents doing their best each day to support their children and one another.

What stayed with me most was seeing the children simply enjoying themselves—laughing, playing, and making new friends. Moments like these remind us how important it is to create spaces where military children feel seen, supported, and cared for. We also recognize that when a loved one serves, the whole family serves—and children carry that responsibility in quiet but meaningful ways.

As we recognize the Month of the Military Child, I encourage organizations, schools, and community partners across Maryland to wear purple on April 15 to celebrate “Purple Up!” Why purple? Purple symbolizes all branches of the military as a combination of Army green, Marine Corps red, and Coast Guard, Navy, Air Force and Space Force blue.

To learn more about celebrating military-connected Children, youth and teens, visit Month of the Military Child.

Sincerely,

Ed Rothstein

On March 29, Secretary Ed Rothstein and Deputy Secretary Jimmy Anderson attended the Maryland Veteran Caucus Breakfast at Government House, joining legislators and partners to discuss issues impacting Maryland’s veteran community.

The breakfast provided an opportunity to highlight legislative efforts focused on improving the quality of life for veterans and their families, including access to benefits, employment, education, and health services.

On March 22, hundreds of friends, family members, and Vietnam veterans gathered for the 8th Annual Welcome Home Vietnam Veteran Event to honor their service and sacrifice.

Sponsored by The Michael Stanley Foundation and the Outer Circle Foundation, the event brought together federal, state, local, and nonprofit partners, along with Gilchrist volunteers, to provide support and resources to veterans and their families.

The Women and Veterans and Inclusion Program, is accepting applications for its new Ambassador Program. This initiative will expand outreach and empower ambassadors to share information to underserved women veterans across Maryland. Email Roslyn.Jones1@maryland.gov for an application.

For the Month of the Military Child, United Through Reading has commissioned a new children’s book, Home Moves With Me, which reminds military families that home is more than a place—it’s the love and memories they share. Told in lyrical prose, Home Moves With Me features mixed media illustrations that invite the reader to experience the story from the main character’s point of view. Details in the art—dragons, photo memories, a playful dog—offer readers fun and meaningful substories to discover. 

The University of Maryland Global Campus offers the Pillars of Strength Scholarship, which provides full tuition, fees, and course-required resources for caregivers of recovering servicemembers and veterans during each academic term.

The scholarship recognizes the dedication and commitment of caregivers who support their loved ones through recovery. Applications for the Pillars of Strength Scholarship open each year on November 11 and close on April 30. The program is made possible through the generosity of the Blewitt Family, the Kahlert Foundation, and private donors.

April is the Month of the Military Child—a time to recognize the strength and resilience of children in military and veteran families who navigate frequent moves, new schools, and time apart from loved ones.

The National Military Family Association invites families to share a short quote from their child about what it’s like to be a military kid. Their voices help highlight the experiences and strength of our military-connected community.

Our Community Salutes USA (OCSUSA) will host the 2026 High School Enlistee Recognition Ceremony on April 21, at The Jim Rouse Theatre for the Performing Arts in Columbia. The event recognizes local young men and women who have enlisted in the United States Armed Forces and are preparing to depart for basic training.

This meaningful event gives the community an opportunity to be the first to say “thank you” to these future service members for their commitment to protect and serve our nation.

Maryland’s Commitment to Veterans invites the military-connected community to A Night of Color And Community on April 18, from 2-6pm, for an engaging evening focused on connection, creativity, and community support for Maryland’s veteran population.

Community members are encouraged to attend, share the event with their networks, and help spread the word. Dinner will be provided, and opportunities are available for those interested in volunteering or partnering with the event. RSVP by April 3.

The Orioles’ Military Spotlight, presented by RBR-Technologies, recognizes the stories of active-duty service members and veterans across Birdland. This program celebrates the impact, resilience, and dedication of those who serve our country—both in uniform and in their communities. Honorees are recognized at Orioles home games throughout the season with a special in-game tribute and video board welcome. Nominate someone today!