NATIONAL DAYHISTORY & MILITARY

Purple Up! Day

On Purple Up! Day, we make a little room on the calendar for the thing that makes us who we are.

APR15

Thursday, April 15Every year on April 15

days to go

Roots: Established in 2011 by the University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension.
Vibe: Community support and appreciation.
Also on Apr 15: Glazed Spiral Ham Day · Laundry Day · Rubber Eraser Day
Hashtag: #PurpleUpDay

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Ways to celebrate

Small, doable ways to celebrate Purple Up! Day.

Do one small thing that makes the day feel marked.
Tell someone what you're celebrating and why.
Share a post, a photo, or a memory connected to it.
Make a tiny tradition — something you could do again next year.
Let it be simple. Not every celebration has to be a production.

Make it your kind of celebration

Family
Do one small thing together that everyone will remember.
Kids
Turn it into a craft, a story, or a snack — meet them where they are.
Couples
Use the day as an excuse for a little intentional time together.
Office
Acknowledge the day in the team chat or at a stand-up. Small, sincere, fast.
School
Anchor a short lesson or activity around the day.
Community
Share, volunteer, or donate to make the day mean something locally.
Just me
Celebrate quietly and completely. One person can still mark a day.

Plan ahead

Purple Up! Day is observed on April 15 every year. Here is where it lands for the next ten years, handy for planners, marketers and party people.

2026Wed, Apr 15this year

2027Thu, Apr 15

2028Sat, Apr 15

2029Sun, Apr 15

2030Mon, Apr 15

2031Tue, Apr 15

2032Thu, Apr 15

2033Fri, Apr 15

2034Sat, Apr 15

2035Sun, Apr 15

2036Tue, Apr 15

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Fast facts

More than 1.6 millionMilitary children in the U.S.

Military children often relocate frequently, changing schools multiple times.

The story

Purple Up! Day, celebrated annually on April 15, is dedicated to honoring military children and their unique challenges. This day encourages everyone to wear purple as a visible sign of support. The initiative was launched in 2011 by the University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension’s Military Youth and Family Program to raise awareness about the experiences of military kids, who often endure frequent relocations and parental deployments.

Read the full story

In the United States, there are more than 1.6 million military children, each with their own story of resilience and strength. These children face challenges that many of their peers may not understand, including adjusting to new schools, making new friends, and coping with the absence of a parent during deployments. Purple Up! Day serves as a reminder of the importance of community support for these young heroes.

Schools, organizations, and communities across the nation participate in activities that highlight the contributions of military families. From assemblies to community service projects, Purple Up! Day fosters a sense of unity and appreciation. Many individuals also take to social media, sharing photos and stories using hashtags such as #PurpleUpDay to raise awareness.

As we observe Purple Up! Day, let us remember the sacrifices of military families and the strength of the children who support their parents. By coming together in purple, we celebrate their resilience and ensure that their voices are heard. This day is an opportunity for everyone to show gratitude and support for those who serve our country.