Jace Craddock, a CFB Shilo Dandelion Youth, said he is a dandelion because he is formidable. (Photo: K-J Millar/Shilo Stag News)

K-J Millar
Shilo Stag Media

TEAL UP month – Dandelions are for children and symbolize military youth

Dandelions are especially significant in the Canadian Armed Forces community, as they symbolize military children and the unique challenges they face as they grow.

“Dandelions can take root and flourish practically anywhere the wind blows them. Military children are much like the Dandelion. They are uprooted and replanted all across the world. Though the moves are tough, military children learn important lessons and skills from the moves. They learn to be outgoing because they are always the new kids,” #TEALUP.

The dandelion was chosen in 2021 as the flower of military children when Teal Up, the April celebration of CAF youth, was first born.

Here are some facts about dandelions that you may not have known, but are significantly reflective of the qualities military children hold.

1) Before the manicuring of front lawn grass, dandelions were praised for their bright, full yellow blossoms and lion-toothed leaves. They were used as a bounty of food, medicine and magic. Military kids are just as bright and hearty, filled with tenacity and hardiness.

2) Dandelions were a much-loved flower in Europe. They are often the subject of prose and poetry. When settlers came to the New World, the dandelion was a cheerful and colourful reminder of home. In Japan, there are complete horticulture societies dedicated to enjoying their beauty and growing new varieties. Just like across the CAF, there are groups and programs to promote the beauty and qualities of young military family members.

3) Dandelions are more nutritious than most garden vegetables.  Using dandelions as a tonic to help the liver remove toxins from the bloodstream has been a healing practice for a millennium. Herbalists prescribed dandelions for a wide variety of ailments, from warts to the plague. The dandelion is extolled as a perfect plant medicine, providing nutrients and supporting the digestive system at peak efficiency. Just spend some time with a military child, and you will see that their positive attributes are infectious.

4) The root system of the dandelion is widespread and loosens the hard-packed soil surrounding it. This is much like military children, who have deep roots and build new relationships wherever they go.

5) Dandelions are masters of survival. Just like the Teal Up children, they can take root in places that seem little short of miraculous in different climates and cultures around the world. They can thrive in barren habitats.

6) Both dandelions and military youth are fast growers. They go from buds to seeds in a few days or a very short time. The roots duplicate when divided. One inch of dandelion root can sprout a new clone. Like CAF children, they can push their way through cement and dirt to see the sunlight to grow.

7) Dandelions are one of the most expensive items in the grocery store. Military children have a high value and are celebrated for their strength, persistence and Teal Up month recognizes their worth and just how much they contribute.

8) In summary, military youth and dandelions are just plain fun. Dandelions are made for children. They are found in playgrounds and parks. They are the only flowers a child can pick without getting into trouble. Fluffy dandelions are fun to blow, and if you catch a flying dandelion seed, you get to make a wish.

Celebrate Teal Up month in April by honouring the bright, beautiful dandelions of the CAF.

Rhya Craddock, a CFB Shilo dandelion youth, said she is a dandelion because she is resilient.  (Photo: K-J Millar/Shilo Stag News)