The Minnesota National Guard’s Child & Youth Program hosted Purple Up at Mall of America® on April 25 to recognize the contributions and sacrifices of military youth to the nation. 

“The children in our military families must often overcome difficulties that many people may not be aware of,” said Joy Luedeman, Child & Youth Program lead coordinator. “We want to make sure our Minnesota military-connected youth know they’re valued and their contributions matter, not only to their families, but also to their peers and communities.”

This annual celebration was one of many events during the Month of the Military Child, which is observed every April across the United States Armed Forces. At the event, military youth and their families enjoyed games, character appearances, a photo booth, caricature art, airbrush tattoos, giveaways, treats, and rides at Nickelodeon Universe® provided by Mall of America® and other sponsors.

Purple is the official color of the military child. It is a combination of all the colors of the U.S. Armed Forces — Air Force, Navy, and Coast Guard blues, Army green, and Marine Corps red. More than 15,000 children in Minnesota have at least one parent serving in the National Guard or Reserve.

“Mall of America is proud to be one of the many Minnesota businesses that fully support and recognize Month of the Military Child,” said Sara Durhman, director of Corporate Social Responsibility at Mall of America®. “At our core, the mall is about creating memorable experiences and leading from the heart. Many of our team members are veterans or active members of the Reserve and Guard. They lead with heart and go above and beyond every day. They are key to our success.”

There were also other activities throughout April, including contests in art, photography, backpack design, and recipe creation. Families could also request a letter from Governor Tim Walz thanking military youth at minnesotaveteran.org/militarychild.

Story by: By Cristina Oxtra

  Minnesota National Guard Public Affairs