DoDEA Europe schools commemorate Purple Up! Day in support of military-connected students

Students, staff, and families across all 64 DoDEA Europe schools celebrated Purple Up! Day on April 9, honoring the resilience and sacrifices of military-connected children during the Month of the Military Child.

Decked out in every shade of purple, students participated in a variety of school-hosted events ranging from morning clap-ins and interactive classroom activities to performances by school bands — all designed to recognize the vital role military children play in their families and communities.

The color purple symbolizes all branches of the military, representing the combined efforts of Army green, Air Force blue, Navy blue, Marine red, and Coast Guard blue. By wearing purple, communities across Europe came together to show solidarity with military-connected students.

In schools from Italy to the United Kingdom and from Spain to Turkey, classrooms turned into celebration zones. Teachers led students in writing letters of gratitude to their peers, while others shared personal stories highlighting the ups and downs of growing up in a military household.

The celebration is part of DoDEA’s broader recognition of April as the Month of the Military Child (MoMC), a nationwide observance that shines a light on the courage and contributions of children whose parents serve in uniform.

DoDEA Europe will continue hosting MoMC activities throughout April, reinforcing its commitment to celebrating and empowering military-connected students across the region.