Honoring All Who Serve

Even if you are not affiliated with the military, chances are you know about Veteran's Day in November where we honor those that serve and have served. And you probably are also familiar with Memorial Day in May where we remember those that gave all for their country. But did you know that we also remember to celebrate our smallest of heroes?





April is Month of the Military Child and there are various activities around base for the kids. The whole thing wraps up the last Friday of the month at the elementary school with a celebration. This is by far my favorite activity to attend at the school every year. It is always cute, sweet, fun and emotional.

The celebration starts with a static display of various military vehicles. The kids get to climb on and in the "cool stuff" like an MWRAP. They love this part!





Then everyone is ushered inside for the assembly and treats. The fourth grade class always writes poems titled " I am a military child" and every year, the results are amazing! A few of the students are selected to read them to the school and I am always slightly misty-eyed as these young heroes, wise and strong stand there and talk about multiple deployments, missed birthdays and praying their father/mother will be safe but always end with each stanza with "I am a military child."

Afterward, the four-year-olds take the stage and sing along with a Lee Greenwood recording of "God Bless the U.S.A." It was adorable and touching.

Since the focus is honoring and saluting the children, at that point, they have military volunteers in uniform serve the children ice cream while they watch a slide show of various photos of themselves throughout the year set to patriotic music. Included were Battle Hymn of the Republic, You're a Grand Old Flag and a medley of all the armed forces songs. It really is a great experience as our base is a joint base and houses families and units from all branches of the armed services- Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines and Coast Guard.

I salute you, young heroes scattered all over the country and the world.

I also salute my two favorite little heroes who are currently helping to hold down the fort in their father's absence:

I love you guys.

I am linking this post with Jennifer at Momma Made it Look Easy- she asks that you "share your awesome" and link your favorite post from the week. Since this is my ONLY post, I suppose it is my favorite. Oh yeah.. it has my kids in it too.. so it has to be a favorite!