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The Military Child World Expo 2026

Schedule of Activities

The Military Child World Expo 2026 features three cornerstone events:

  1. The Carrying the Torch of Care Breakfast (Saturday, April 18, 2026) launching the Torch of Care Community Service Hours and honoring teen and adult caregivers.

  2. A full-day the Military Child World Expo (Saturday, April 25, 2026) with symposiums, Youth-led Torchbearers Summit, workshops, and entertainment in Independence A & B, Centers.

  3. The Showcase of Celebrations (Sunday, April 26, 2026) at Fashion Centre at Pentagon City with performances, special entertainment, and a celebration of the military child legacy.

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Carrying The Torch of Care 
Caregivers Breakfast

Saturday, April 18, 2026 – Carrying the Torch of Care: Caregivers Breakfast & Official TCCSH Launch. Presented by BlueCross BlueShield Association.

Army Navy Country Club, 1700 Army Navy Dr., Arlington, VA

  • 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM | Registration & Networking Coffee

  • 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM | Caregivers Breakfast Program

    • Presentation of Colors & National Anthem

    • Welcome remarks by event hosts & sponsors

    • Official Launch of the Torch of Care Community Service Hours (TCCSH)

    • Recognition of Teen Caregivers (focus) and Adult Caregivers

    • Keynote remarks from military leaders & caregiver advocates

    • Sponsor spotlight moments

    • Valet parking

    • Must RSVP and have your personal invitation. To request a RSVP ticket please contact us at info@mcwef.org subject line: Caregivers Breakfast RSVP.

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The Military Child World Expo 2026

Saturday, April 25, 2026 – Celebrating America's 250th Anniversary with Torchbearers of America's Future

Hyatt Regency Crystal City at Reagan National Airport, 2799 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA  | 10 AM - 6 PM

 

Independence Center A – Main Stage & Symposiums

10:00 AM – Opening Ceremony

  • Presentation of Colors & National Anthem

  • Torch of Care Presentation

  • Sponsor recognition & opening remarks

 

10:30 AM – 12:00 PM – Keynote Sessions

  • Keynote: Defining the Military Child’s Legacy

 

12:00 PM – 3:00 PM – Symposiums & Workshops

  • Mental Health Symposium

    • Family Wellness & Caregiver Resilience

    • Military-Connected Youth Mental Health

 

Education Symposium

  • Workshop: School & Transition Support

  • Workshop: Purple Star Schools Designation

 

TCCSH Symposium (Adults)

  • Adult caregiver service, community engagement, and national pilot rollout

 

3:00 PM – 6:00 PM – Afternoon Sessions

  • Torch of Care (TED-Style) Talk: TCCSH National Pilot Program

  • Youth Spotlights – Military-connected children & teen voices

  • Entertainment & Special Performances (rotating sets)

  • Closing recognition of Torchbearers of America’s Future

 

Independence Center B – Promise of the Six Pavilion (Youth-Led)

10:00 AM – Pavilion Opening Ceremony

  • Presentation of Colors & National Anthem

  • Pavilion welcome remarks

 

10:30 AM – 6:00 PM Main Pavilion Programming

"Torchbearers Summit" (Main Event in B)

  • Youth-led keynote addresses

  • Summit discussions on identity, resilience, service, and leadership

 

Mini Workshops Throughout the Day

  • Peer-to-peer mentoring circles

  • Wellness & journaling sessions

  • Creative expression & storytelling labs

 

Youth-Led TCCSH Workshop

  • Introducing the national pilot program from the youth perspective

 

Pavilion Features:

  • Torchbearer Scroll & Pledge Wall

  • Global Kids Gallery (Art Display)

  • Reflection Lounge

  • Torchbearers Youth Marketplace

  • Youth Exhibitors

  • Interactive Displays

 

Please Note: Schedules are subject to change. Check back on April 2, 2026 for a final schedule of events.

Image by Lavi Perchik

The Military Child World Expo 2026 
Celebrating America's 250th
"The Torchbearers Showcase"

Sunday, April 26, 2026

Fashion Centre at Pentagon City (A Simon Mall) 1100 South Hayes St., Arlington, Virginia 22202
12:00 PM – 4:00 PM

12:00 PM – Opening Ceremony

  • Presentation of Colors & National Anthem

  • Welcome remarks

 

12:30 PM – 4:00 PM – Showcase of Celebrations

  • Youth & Adult Performances (musical, cultural, spoken word)

  • Special Entertainment Performances (headline groups & surprise guests)

  • Celebration of Military Child Legacy: honoring identity, resilience, and future

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The Military Child World Expo (MCWE 2026) is a mission-driven, nonprofit educational initiative dedicated to supporting the entire military-connected community, including active duty, National Guard, Reserve, veterans, retirees, Department of Defense/War, civilians, and their families.
 

Quick Links

Become an Exhibitor

Become a Sponsor

Join Our Mailing List

Youth Marketplace       Show Guide Advertising 

Register To Attend The Teen Caregivers Breakfast

Contacts

2461 Eisenhower Avenue

Alexandria, Virginia 22314

Phone: 703-646-8410

Email: info@themilitarychildworldexpo.com

Open To The Public

Family Friendly Activities

Entry: Free 

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Psalm 127:3–4 (NIV) — Legacy & Generational Promise “Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth.”

© 2026 by The Military Child World Expo Foundation

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The Military Child World Expo is the flagship national convening of the Military Child World Expo Foundation (MCWEF), the National Association for Military-Connected Children.

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