Students "purple up" to honor military kids

Photo by Cindy Culver, Kentucky National Guard State Youth Coordinator

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Today’s Friday the thirteenth was lucky for the students of Peaks Mill Elementary School in Frankfort as they held a special “Purple Up Day” to show their support for the children of military service members.  The event was sponsored by the Kentucky National Guard’s Family Assistance Center and Youth Programs.

“Purple is the color that symbolizes all branches of the military, as it is a combination of Army green, Coast Guard blue, Air Force blue, Marine red, and Navy blue,” said Cindy Culver, state youth coordinator. “Everyone looked great in their purple outfits and had a wonderful time during our visit.”

In addition to dressing up in the color of the day, staff and students also recognized seven children that have a parent in the military. The military students all received a “Hero Pack” from Operation Military Kids containing journals, cameras, books and toys to help get through deployments.

“A lot of our students don’t have family members who are in the military,” said Beth Nickel, the school’s principal.  ”We wanted to bring an awareness of the challenges their fellow students go through.”

Programs like “Purple Up Day” seem to help, said Nickel.  ”They really support each other and they always get excited when we’re visited by Soldiers in uniform.”

Nickel said the school also holds a “military attire day” a couple of times each year to show respect for those who serve in the armed forces.  ”They get to dress up in their favorite camouflage outfits,” she said. ”They always get into the spirit when we do that.”

Click here for more information on the Family Assistance Center or call 1-800-372-7601.

Click here to see the Kentucky National Guard Yellow Ribbon Facebook page.