Capitol Dome Will Go Purple In Honor of Military Children

State Senator Denny Hoskins, R-Warrensburg, announced that the dome of the Missouri State Capitol was illuminated purple April 15 in honor of military children.

“I hope everyone in view of the Capitol on the evening of April 15 takes a moment to enjoy the illumination of the dome and reflect on the sacrifices of military families, especially the children of our brave men and women in uniform,” Sen. Hoskins said in a statement. “This gesture in no way equals the many contributions of our military families, but it does allow all of us to express our gratitude and let military children know they are in our hearts and prayers.”

The U.S. Department of Defense has declared April the Month of the Military Child and purple traditionally represents all branches of the armed forces.

Senator Hoskins contacted the Office of Administration to request the lighting of the dome in purple at the request of Whiteman Air Force Base Child and Youth Education Services and Fort Leonard Wood School Support Services.

According to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, more than 11,000 children in military families attend school in Missouri. Of 558 school districts in Missouri, 274 have at least one child whose parents serve in the military.

Knob Noster Schools have been celebrating Month of the Military Child this week by holding Month of the Military Child Spirit Week. Today is Purple Day where students, faculty and staff are all asked to wear purple. Many kids of the men and women stationed at Whiteman Airforce Base attend Knob Noster Schools.