Military children grow up in a world of constant change, frequent moves, and long separations from loved ones. To recognize their sacrifices and strength, we honor them during the Month of the Military Child every April, with Purple Up Day serving as a special occasion to show our support. But beyond the purple shirts and community events, there is a term that truly embodies the essence of a military child: BRAT – Born Resilient and Tough.
What Does BRAT Mean?
The term BRAT has long been associated with military children, but rather than a negative label, it’s a badge of honor. Military kids are Born Resilient and Tough—qualities that are ingrained in them through their unique experiences. They learn to adapt quickly to new environments, form friendships in unfamiliar places, and navigate life with a level of maturity beyond their years.
Growing up in a military family means moving frequently, sometimes across the country or overseas. It means saying goodbye to one home and school, only to start over in another. It means dealing with the absence of a deployed parent while still managing everyday life. Through these experiences, military children develop adaptability, emotional strength, and an incredible sense of perseverance.
Why BRAT Is Important
Recognizing military children as BRATs—Born Resilient and Tough—helps shine a light on the challenges they face and the strength they develop as a result. Their resilience shapes them into resourceful, independent, and compassionate individuals who carry these skills into adulthood. They grow up with a deep sense of patriotism, understanding the sacrifices made not just by their parents, but by their entire family.
Acknowledging the significance of BRAT also fosters a sense of community among military families. It creates a shared identity, a reminder that no military child is alone in their journey. They are part of a larger family of individuals who understand their struggles and celebrate their triumphs.
Honoring Military Children on Purple Up Day
On Purple Up Day, people across the country wear purple to show support for military children. The color purple represents all branches of the military, symbolizing unity. However, beyond wearing purple, it’s important to take the time to truly recognize and appreciate the experiences of military kids. Schools, businesses, and organizations can participate by:
- Educating others on the meaning of BRAT and what military children endure
- Hosting events to celebrate military kids and their stories
- Providing resources to support military children and their well-being
- Encouraging discussions about the sacrifices military families make
A Message to Military Children
To every military child out there: You are strong, you are capable, and you are not alone. Your experiences shape you into incredible individuals, and your resilience does not go unnoticed. You are Born Resilient and Tough, and that is something to be proud of.
This April, let’s all Purple Up and celebrate the BRATs—the military children who serve in their own extraordinary way.
