Even though Minnesota is without a single military installation, it is home to more than 15,000 children who have a parent serving in the National Guard and Reserves. These parents and other loved ones prepare for and are sent on long deployments. The sacrifices sometimes continue during the transition in their return from deployment. Our military children deserve the recognition and honor of their sacrifices during the military service their parent or loved ones provided to our country.
April is designated as the Month of the Military Child. This special celebration is a legacy of former Defense Secretary Caspar Weinberger - established to underscore the important role children play in the Armed Forces community. Governor Tim Pawlenty has also issued a proclamation to declare April as Month of the Military Child and will send a letter of gratitude to each child nominated by their parent. Nominations are collected on the Department of Veteran Affairs Website: http://www.mdva.state.mn.us/.
