Sen. Tracy Pennycuick announced on Apr. 7 a resolution that would designate April 15, 2026, as “Purple Up! for Military Kids” Day and the month of April as Month of the Military Child in Pennsylvania. The measure is co-prime sponsored by every veteran serving in the state Senate.
The resolution aims to recognize and support children of military families, highlighting their sacrifices while a parent serves. On April 15, Pennsylvanians are encouraged to wear purple—a color symbolizing all branches of the Armed Forces—to show support for military kids and their families.
“As a veteran of the United States Armed Forces, I know too well the sacrifice that comes with defending our country. Service members leave home for sometimes months or years for deployments, leaving their friends, families, and children behind,” Pennycuick said.
According to Pennycuick’s official website, she has contributed to community support for veterans and law enforcement through her military career and roles on veteran boards according to the official website. She served 26 years in the U.S. Army—including active duty and reserves—and retired as a lieutenant colonel after assignments during Desert Shield/Desert Storm according to the official website. Pennycuick began her service as a combat medic before pursuing further education at University of Missouri-Columbia according to the official website.
The senator resides in Harleysville with her husband—also an Army veteran—their four grown children, and two grandchildren according to the official website. She won election to the Pennsylvania Senate in 2022 after serving previously in the General Assembly according to the official website, having earned a Bachelor of Science degree from University of Missouri-Columbia in 1987 according to the official website.
Pennycuick noted that more than 37,000 children across Pennsylvania have at least one parent serving either with the National Guard, reserves or on active duty.