National Military Brats Day

National Military Brats Day is an annual American holiday dedicated to military children. While their fathers (and sometimes mothers) are in service, much of the responsibility for raising them falls on the non-deployed parent, often the mother. This day is important because the lives of military children are often more challenging than those of their peers; they see their deployed parent very rarely. The holiday is observed on April 30.

History

National Military Brats Day was founded by Military Brats, Inc. in 2016. Although it is not yet officially recognized, its creators are actively working to push a bill through the U.S. Congress to grant it official status.

Children of military personnel often see their parents infrequently, especially those whose parents are both in the military. These children face additional challenges, such as frequent moves due to changes in duty stations. This constant relocation forces them to leave friends behind and adjust to new environments, making it difficult to establish long-term friendships and stability.

Interesting Facts

• The term “BRAT” is used to refer to military children who frequently move due to their parents’ duty assignments.
• About 70% of children of servicemembers grow up with a strong sense of patriotism, and many are inspired to serve their country themselves.

How to Celebrate

Congratulate the servicemembers you know who have children. Ask them about how often they move and how their children cope with the challenges of military life.

Spread the word about this holiday on social media to raise awareness and recognize the sacrifices military families make.

When is National Military Brats Day in 2025?

National Military Brats Day is observed on April 30 each year.

Observations