Directs Landmarks Across New York State to be Illuminated Purple on Sunday, April 2

New York State Department of Veterans' Services Will Host Virtual and In-Person Events Throughout the Month for Military Children and Their Families

Military Families May Register for the Free Events by Emailing [email protected]

Governor Kathy Hochul today issued a proclamation recognizing April as Month of the Military Child and directed landmarks across New York State to be illuminated purple on Sunday, April 2 to recognize children who are separated from a parent on active duty. The State Department of Veterans' Services will also host virtual and in-person events for military children and their families throughout the month. Military families may register for the free events by emailing [email protected].

"New Yorkers remain committed to ensuring that active Service members are seen, commended, and applauded for their outstanding work on behalf of our country," Governor Hochul said. "Often though this means quality time spent with families is all the more precious. I want to recognize and thank the families of Service members this Month of the Military Child, and I hope they are able to enjoy the many events offered across the state."

New York State Department of Veterans' Services Commissioner Viviana DeCohen said, "No one understands the meaning of service and sacrifice better than our military families and children. Each day, they are asked to forgo certain privileges that we often take for granted. We are honored to be able to recognize and celebrate them this Month of the Military Child for their contributions to our State and Nation."

The following landmarks will be illuminated the evening of Sunday, April 2:

    One World Trade Center
    Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge
    Kosciuszko Bridge
    The H. Carl McCall SUNY Building
    State Education Building
    Alfred E. Smith State Office Building
    Empire State Plaza
    State Fairgrounds - Main Gate & Expo Center
    Niagara Falls
    The "Franklin D. Roosevelt" Mid-Hudson Bridge
    Albany International Airport Gateway
    MTA LIRR - East End Gateway at Penn Station
    Fairport Lift Bridge over the Erie Canal
    Moynihan Train Hall

The Department of Veterans' Services has also partnered with businesses and institutions around New York State to host the following virtual and in-person events for military children and families, all of which are free:

    1:00 p.m. Saturday, April 22 (online and in person): Exclusive tour of the USS Slater in Albany - The USS Slater is the last Destroyer Escort afloat in the United States. Explore the entire ship from the engine room to the captain's bridge, learn what life was like for the Sailors who served aboard the Slater during World War II, and get a sense of what your daily duties may have been if you were a member of the crew at that time.
    12:30 p.m. Sunday, April 23 (online and in person): Visit the baby Asian elephant twins of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo in Syracuse - The zoo recently welcomed baby Asian elephant twins. Take a guided tour of this zoo and visit the twins and other animals who live there.
    10:00 a.m. Saturday, April 29 (online and in person): Private tour of Yankee Stadium in the Bronx - Visit parts of this iconic ballpark that typically only professional ballplayers get to see. There will be incredible photo opportunities for those who plan to attend in person.
    12:30 p.m. Sunday, April 30 (online and in person): Private tour of Oheka Castle in Cold Spring Harbor - This French-style chateau sits in the middle of 443 acres on the highest point on Long Island. During the Gilded Age of the 1920s, the mansion was the scene of lavish parties and regularly entertained royalty, heads of state, and Hollywood stars. It later served as the location of a government training school for Merchant Marine radio operators.

About the Department of Veterans' Services

The New York State Department of Veterans' Services, which has served as the state's advocacy agency for veterans, service members, and military families since 1945, maintains an agency-wide commitment of serving all veterans, service members, and military families in a wide range of practice areas, including claims and appeals for benefits from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, discharge upgrade appeals to the United States Department of Defense, and claims for New York State benefits. Veterans, service members, and military families are encouraged to contact the Department at 888-838-7697 or visit its website to meet in person or virtually with an accredited Veterans Benefits Advisor to address their needs and gain the full measure of benefits that they have earned.