PIERRE, S.D. (KELO-AM) – Gov. Dennis Daugaard will visit John Harris Elementary School in Sioux Falls on Tuesday, April 15, to kick off “Purple Up for Military Kids.”
During his visit, Gov. Daugaard and Secretary of Veterans Affairs Larry Zimmerman will officially launch the 2014 South Dakota “Purple Up for Military Kids” campaign during an assembly at 2 p.m. in the gym of the John Harris Elementary School.
Parents are encouraged to attend and wear purple in support of our military families. South Dakota communities, businesses and organizations are also encouraged to wear purple on that date, as a tangible way to show their support and thanks to all military children for their strength and sacrifices.
Established by Casper Weinberger in 1986, the Month of the Military Child recognizes the important role military children play in our communities.
“With over 7,500 military children in South Dakota, it is important that we honor these young heroes who have given so much,” said Secretary Zimmerman. “Record numbers of National Guard, Army Reserve and other military parents living in South Dakota communities have been mobilized during the War on Terrorism. Community members, educators, friends and family are integral to a child’s successful navigation of the deployment cycle.”
For more information, contact: Audry Ricketts at 605-773-8242 or audry.ricketts@state.sd.us (South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs)