FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The Veteran and Military-Affiliated Student Center (VMSC) at the University of Arkansas will celebrate “Purple Up Day” on April 15.

“Purple Up Day” is a day for students, faculty and staff to wear purple in solidarity with other military dependents. The color purple was chosen because when combined, red, white and blue make purple. Purple is intended to symbolize the joining of the entire military community. The day occurs in April, which is recognized nationally as the “Month of the Military Child.”

According to the Department of Defense, there are nearly 1 million Active-duty, Reserve and National Guard spouses and an additional 11.2 million who are spouses of veterans. There are also more than 1.6 million military children. According to the Arkansas Division of Elementary and Secondary Education more than 18,000 Arkansans served in the U.S. Armed forces.

One military dependent at the University of Arkansas says that she was looking for support groups around campus that could help her integrate into campus life. She said that the VMSC has been a great support to her.

To her, “Purple Day just means all. Not just service members being supported by the world, the office, but also children of those who have served being able to get the support that they need.”

All military dependents at the University of Arkansas (faculty, staff, student) can pick up a Purple Up sweet treat between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. from April 13 to 17 at the center. The center is located at 640 N. Garland Avenue in Suites 115-118.