Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart, has called for greater recognition of military children in Northern Ireland as the Month of the Military Child draws to a close

Carla Lockhart MP • April 30, 2025

April is recognised across the UK as the Month of the Military Child – a time to honour the incredible strength, resilience and sacrifice of children whose parents serve in the Armed Forces. While the initiative is officially marked on 25th April in England and Wales, there is currently no formally designated date in Northern Ireland.

To mark the month, a special purple heart badge has been created by the Empire Poppy Store – purple symbolising the blend of all service colours, and the dandelion representing the ability of military children to thrive wherever they are rooted.


Carla Lockhart MP said:


“Throughout April, we’ve celebrated our military children, young people who quietly carry the weight of service life alongside their parents. Their ability to adapt, remain strong and support their families is nothing short of remarkable.


“I was delighted to receive my purple heart badge. A small but powerful way to show support and raise awareness. I’d encourage everyone to consider wearing one, not just during April, but throughout the year.


“Importantly, I have written to the Ministry of Defence to call for an official date to be designated in Northern Ireland. It’s essential that military children here are recognised equally and visibly across all parts of the UK.


“As this month of recognition ends, let’s carry its spirit forward. Let us continue to highlight the Military Child and ensure their voices are heard and their sacrifices remembered.”


To find out more, visit: https://www.asauk.org/military-child


To purchase a badge: https://empirepoppy.store/products/month-of-the-military-child-enamel-badge

Share

By Carla Lockhart MP May 9, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has criticised DAERA’s delayed Nutrients Action Plan (NAP), saying it further highlights just how out of sync the Minister is with grass-roots farming in Northern Ireland.
By Carla Lockhart MP May 6, 2025
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart, has paid tribute to David and Sara Watson and the Adam’s Miles for Leukaemia team following the successful completion of their 70-mile walk from Newry to Manchester. The emotional journey, which raised vital funds and awareness for Cure Leukaemia, was undertaken in memory of their amazing son Adam, and supported by communities along the entire route, including a powerful show of support in Banbridge.
By Carla Lockhart MP May 6, 2025
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart, has praised the organisers of the VE Day 80th Anniversary Community Fun Day held in Waringstown on Monday 5th May. The event, hosted by LOL 83 at Waringstown Orange Hall, brought the local community together to remember, reflect, and celebrate with a packed programme of family-friendly activities.
By Carla Lockhart MP May 6, 2025
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart, has welcomed a significant drop in home heating oil prices across Northern Ireland, offering welcome relief to households facing ongoing pressures with the cost of living. According to the latest figures from the Consumer Council, prices are now at their lowest point since 2021, following months of volatility triggered by global market conditions and conflict-related supply issues.
By Carla Lockhart MP May 9, 2025
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart, has expressed deep concern over the UK Government’s decision to allocate £50 million towards controversial geoengineering experiments aimed at dimming the sun to combat climate change.
By Carla Lockhart MP April 30, 2025
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart, has paid tribute to Rachel McDowell and all involved in a heartfelt and successful Coffee Morning held in Blackskull Orange Hall, raising vital funds for Prostate Cancer UK.
By Carla Lockhart MP April 30, 2025
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart, has praised the Upper Bann Fusiliers Flute Band following a superb evening in Lurgan, as the band celebrated its 20th anniversary with a tremendous annual parade. 
By Carla Lockhart MP April 30, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart was delighted to attend the launch of The Reason, the debut album from Waringstown’s Kate Weir, at Craigavon Civic Centre on Saturday night – and has encouraged others to get a copy and be truly blessed by it.
By Carla Lockhart MP April 30, 2025
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart, has welcomed progress by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council in addressing damage at Banbridge Cemetery, following recent concerns raised by local families.
By Carla Lockhart MP May 9, 2025
DUP MP for Upper Bann, Carla Lockhart, has welcomed new measures introduced by the Government and OFCOM to protect children online, but warned that further action is still required to ensure meaningful safety. She also cautioned that the effectiveness of the new measures will only become clear over time.
More Posts