Reps. Potvin, Barnett, Brown, Cotter, Crawford, Darany, Denby, Durhal, Geiss, Haines, Heise, Hovey-Wright, Howrylak, Lori, Poleski, Roberts, Slavens and Talabi offered the following resolution:

House Resolution No. 77.

A resolution to declare April 2013 as Military Child Month in the state of Michigan. 

Whereas, The members of the Michigan Legislature consider it a great privilege to recognize this occasion and proudly extend tribute to all the military children for their sacrifices and contributions to their families as this body demonstrates Michigan's unconditional support for members of the Armed Forces; and

Whereas, More than 20,000 of Michigan's children and youth have been directly affected by the military deployment of at least one parent; and

Whereas, These children and youth are a source of pride and honor to this state, and it is only fitting that their contributions are recognized, their spirits are celebrated and Michigan's men and women in uniform know that while they are taking care of us, we are taking care of their children and youth; and

Whereas, More than 500 brave men and women of the Michigan Army and Air National Guard are currently deployed overseas primarily to Afghanistan, but also to Kuwait, Liberia, Germany and other locations around the globe, demonstrating their courage and commitment to freedom; and

Whereas, No one feels the effect of deployments more than the children of deployed members of the armed forces, leaving them without a parent who mentors, counsels, teaches and loves, as these daily struggles and personal sacrifices too often go unnoticed; and

Whereas, The children of military parents are frequently transferred from one school system to another, often in different states, and are unable to become rooted in a single community. This volatility in their young lives can make learning an especially challenging process for they must regularly reorient themselves to new environments and continue to find new friends while leaving others behind; and

Whereas, The recognition of a month of the military child will allow us to pay tribute to military children and youth for their commitments, their struggles and their unconditional support of our troops. Because when parents serve in the military, their kids are heroes too; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare April 2013 as Military Child Month in the state of Michigan. We urge all residents and business and government leaders to observe the month with appropriate ceremonies and activities that honor, support, and thank military children; and be it further

            Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and the Michigan office for the Military Interstate Children's Compact Commission as evidence of the highest esteem given by the members of the Michigan Legislature.