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Purple Up Day

Let's show our love and support for military families on Purple Up Day by wearing purple and spreading awareness!

Thursday

April 2027

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEApril 15

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYAwareness

SUBCATEGORYYouth

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to show your support for military children on Purple Up Day, celebrated every April 15! This day was first designated in 2011 by the Military Child Education Coalition to honor and recognize the strength and sacrifices of military families. The color purple symbolizes all branches of the military as it is a combination of Army green, Marine Corps red, and Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard blue. So let's all wear some purple on this special day to show our appreciation for these brave and resilient children!

TIMELINE

Purple Up Day Timeline

Purple Up Day Initiation

The Military Child Education Coalition initiates the first Purple Up Day to recognize and honor military children for their strength and sacrifices.

First National Recognition

Purple Up Day is nationally recognized for the first time, significantly expanding its awareness and reach across the United States.

Expansion to Schools

Several schools across the country start participating in Purple Up Day, encouraging students to wear purple in honor of military children.

Corporate Participation

Major corporations begin recognizing Purple Up Day, offering discounts and promotions to military families as a show of support.

Virtual Observations

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual events and activities become a mainstay of Purple Up Day celebrations, ensuring continued support for military children in spite of social distancing restrictions.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Purple Up Day

Wear all purple

Encourage your friends and family to wear all purple on Purple Up Day! From head to toe, rock the color purple in support of military children.

HOST

Host a purple-themed party

Plan a party with purple decorations, food, and drinks. You can even make it a potluck and have everyone bring a purple dish to share.

DONATE

Donate to a military support organization

Show your support for military families by making a donation to a military support organization on Purple Up Day. Every little bit helps.

CREATE

Create purple care packages

Gather some friends and create care packages filled with purple items to send to military families and children. This is a great way to show your support and spread some purple love.

LEARN

Learn about military families

Take some time on Purple Up Day to educate yourself about the challenges and sacrifices that military families face. You can even reach out to a military family and offer your support and gratitude.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love Purple Up Day

It raises awareness for military-connected youth

Many military-connected children face unique challenges, such as frequent moves and dealing with the absence of a parent during deployments. Purple Up Day helps bring attention to these issues and encourages communities to provide support and resources for these children.

It's a day to honor military families

Purple Up Day is a time to show support for children and families of service members. It's a chance to recognize their sacrifices and the challenges they face, and to thank them for their strength and resilience.

It promotes unity and inclusivity

Purple is known as the color of loyalty, courage, and sacrifice - all qualities possessed by military families. By wearing purple on this day, we show our unity and support for these families, no matter what branch or rank they may be.