Legislation Document

SPONSOR:	Sen. Bushweller & Sen. Ennis on behalf of all Senators
Reps. Carson, Jaques on behalf of all Representatives

DELAWARE STATE SENATE

149th GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 16

OBSERVING APRIL 2017 AS THE 2017 MONTH OF THE MILITARY CHILD AND APRIL 4, 2017 AS THE OFFICIAL DAY OF RECOGNITION OF THE MILITARY CHILD IN THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

WHEREAS, thousands of brave Americans demonstrate their courage and commitment to freedom by serving in the Armed Forces of the United States both on Active Duty and in the National Guard and Reserves; and

WHEREAS, there is a requirement that Delaware public schools have parents or guardians identify if their student is military-connected beginning in the 2015-16 school year and the number from this first year shows that 3,001 public education students are military-connected; and

WHEREAS, Delaware is committed to being an active participant in the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children (MIC3) which facilitates military children’s transition in school systems across state lines; and

WHEREAS, the youth of our service members continue to make significant contributions to family, schools, communities, the nation, and our state, despite prolonged and repeated absences of one or both parents; and

WHEREAS, these children are a source of pride and honor to us all, and it is only fitting that we take the time to recognize their contributions, celebrate their spirit, and let our uniformed men and women know that while they are taking care of us, we are helping to care for their children; and

WHEREAS, the recognition of April as the "Month of the Military Child” allows us to pay tribute to military children for their commitment, patience, and courage and show our unconditional support of our troops and their family members.

NOW, THEREFORE:

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the 149 ^th General Assembly, the House of Representatives concurring therein, do hereby set aside April 2017 as the “2017 Month of the Military Child” and April 4, 2017 as the official Day of Recognition of the Military Child in the State of Delaware and urge all citizens, businesses, educators, and government leaders to mark this day and month with appropriate observance to honor, support, and thank our military children.