2026 -- H 8410

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026

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H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

PROCLAIMING APRIL OF 2026, TO BE THE "MONTH OF THE MILITARY CHILD" IN

THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

     Introduced By: Representatives Finkelman, Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Chippendale,
Paplauskas, Azzinaro, Phillips, Shanley, Noret, and Cortvriend

     Date Introduced: April 07, 2026

     Referred To: House read and passed

     WHEREAS, Across our nation, and here in the State of Rhode Island, children in military

families sacrifice much in order to allow their parents to serve our nation and protect our liberty.

In this month of April, people are encouraged to show support for our military and veteran

children, and to thank them for their strength and the sacrifices they have made and continue to

make; and

     WHEREAS, Approximately two million military children in the United States have

experienced a parental deployment since 2001, and currently, approximately 1.6 million have an

active-duty parent worldwide. The average military student faces transition challenges every two

or three years, and most military children attend six to nine different school systems from

kindergarten through the 12th grade. Taking care of our military children sustains our nation's

fighting force and strengthens the health and safety of our nation's families and communities; and

     WHEREAS, The Middletown School District serves the largest number of military kids

in the State, with approximately 324 military-connected students, amounting to approximately 15

percent of the student population; and

     WHEREAS, April 15th is also "PURPLE UP! FOR MILITARY KIDS" Day. The month

of April is a time to recognize the service and sacrifices of our military members, their families,

and especially their children. "These children deserve our support!" The 2026 theme is "Military

Children and Youth: Strength in Every Story". It focuses on celebrating the resilience and

experiences of military-connected children; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby

proclaims April of 2026, to be the "Month of the Military Child" in Rhode Island; and be it

further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the Middletown School Committee, and

Middletown School Superintendent, William J. Niemeyer.

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