 Hi, my name's Brooke. I'm the lead child and youth coordinator for the State of California National Guard. The official flower of the military child is the dandelion. Why? The plant puts down roots almost anywhere, and it's almost impossible to destroy. It's an unpretentious plant, yet good-looking. It's a survivor in a broad range of climates. Military children bloom everywhere, the way it carries them. They are hardy and upright. Their roots are strong, cultivated deeply in the culture of the military. Planted swiftly and surely. They're ready to fly in the breezes that take them to new adventures, new lands, and new friends. Experts say that military children are well-rounded, culturally aware, tolerant, and extremely resilient. Military children have learned from an early age that home is where their hearts are. A good friend can be found in every corner of the world, and the education doesn't only come from school. They live history. They learn that to survive means to adapt. That the door that closes one chapter of their life opens up to a new and exciting adventure full of new friends and new experiences. April 14th is Purple Up Day. Please wear purple to work to support our military youth.