MADISON — April is designated as Month of the Military Child. To show support for military children and raise awareness of their sacrifices, people wear purple. Purple indicates that all branches of the military are supported. Air Force blue, Army green, Navy blue, Marine red, and Coast Guard blue all are thought to combine as a single color: purple.

People can participate in “Purple Up” on April 15 to honor military children.

Members of the Madison American Legion Auxiliary wearing purple conducted the Military Child’s Table Setting Ceremony at their recent meeting. Each item has a significant meeting:

• The potted flowering plant symbolizing that a military child may flower and flourish where they are planted;

• The hand spade recognizes that they may be transplanted to a new place in the world at a moment’s notice;

• A birthday hat and unlit candles, along with the baseball and glove and ballet slippers represent special occasions that are missed;

• A family photo depicting a child with his or her uniformed parent/parents demonstrates the country’s strength; and

• An American flag as a reminder that families are united in their commitment at home or away.