WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio - Wright-Patterson Air Force Base is celebrating Month of the Military Child with a series of activities aimed at paying tribute to the children of America’s service members.
“April is a time to recognize our military children for the sacrifices they make and the challenges they overcome as they serve alongside their military parents,” said Susan Anderson, Child and Youth Programs Flight chief.
April will start off with some in-house collaboration alongside Family Advocacy, where pinwheels and blue ribbons will be displayed in front of child care facilities. These two exhibits are representative of National Child Abuse Prevention Month, which is also observed in April.
April 5 kicks off a week of previously recorded readings from 88th Air Base Wing leadership. Various children’s books read by the leaders will be posted on social media and played in children’s classes. Facebook pages to keep an eye out for will be Wright-Patterson School Liaison, Wright-Patt Family Child Care, Prairies Youth Center and 88th Force Support Squadron.
April 12 will be Poster Week. Kids will be encouraged to create posters depicting their experience as a military child. These posters will be photographed and also posted on social media.
Spirit Week starts April 19, which is Camo Day. Other celebrations set for that week: Silly Sock Day (April 20), Purple Up Day (April 21), Crazy Hat Day (April 22), and Red, White and Blue Day (April 23).
Purple is the color honoring Month of the Military Child.
April 26 will be a week to showcase patriotism. Each day, a short video will be posted on the participating social media platforms.
That Monday features a prerecorded video of kids saying the Pledge of Allegiance. On April 27, older youth will read the Declaration of Independence’s preamble, while a singing of the national anthem is scheduled to take place April 28.
A livestream of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base’s Honor Guard is set for April 29, showcasing a ceremonial flag-folding. On April 30, everyone is encouraged to submit their best American flag photos to cap the monthlong celebration.
The Defense Department’s Month of the Military Child commemoration dates back to 1986. It was established to honor military families and underscore the important role their children play in the armed forces community.