[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="576" caption="Children whose parents are veterans or currently serving being called forward to receive a special award in recognition of their sacrifice during the Freedom Elementary Friday Celebration Assembly. (Photo by Kelley Slaughter)"]
SHEPHERDSVILLE, Ky. -- Since 1986, throughout the month of April, the military has taken time to recognize the honor and courage of military children, by celebrating the Month of the Military Child. It has been estimated that in the last ten years approximately two million children have experienced the deployment of one or both parents. These children have bravely endured the effects of ten years of conflict, and even as Soldiers are transitioning home from the wars, many challenges remain for military families, and their children.
This year Freedom Elementary in Shepherdsville, Kentucky took time to honor ten students during their Friday celebration assembly. The school in partnership with the Kentucky National Guard Yellow Ribbon Program recognized children whose parents are veterans or currently serving in our Nations Military. The children recognized represented every branch of service, and were surprised when their parents showed up and they where called to the front by their principal.
“I really appreciate the job our military does, and it's great to honor these kids,” said school Principal Marcella Minogue.
[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="320" caption="1LT Mark Slaughter presents children from military Families their personalized awards during the Freedom Elementary School Friday Celebration. (Photo by Kelley Slaughter)"]
Kentucky National Guard 1st Lt. Mark Slaughter presented the children a personalized certificate of appreciation, signed by the command staff of the 198
th Military Police Battalion. A commemorative battalion coin was a special surprise for the students. After getting his coin Slaughter's son, Brandon told his parents to “find someplace safe to store my gold doubloon.”
Students also received an Army water bottle provided by the University of Louisville ROTC department, and a brief reminder of the importance of education from Slaughter.
“They are amazing kids!” said Laurie Todd, the school's guidance counselor. "We can't wait to do this again next year!"
Levi Wentworth understands what it is like to have a parent away on deployment. He's the son of Spc. Nicholas and Heather Wentworth, representing the 149
th Brigade Support Battalion "It was cool my dad was there for the program," Nicholas said.
Military Child Appreciation Day
This event was just one of many held this month. Don't forget to mark your calendars for next Saturday April 28
th for a very special day when all military youth are invited to a “Festival of Fun" at the American Legion Post 34, the Healing Field in Lawrenceburg. Kids will have the opportunity to create wax hands, face painting will be provided lots of arts and crafts plus games like corn hole, archery and Lowes Build and Grow Project. Plenty of food and drinks will be provided and best of all it is free!
For more information Contact:
Cindy Culver at
cindy.culver@us.army.mil or 502-607-1751
Linda Jones at
linda.jones15@us.army.mil or 502-607-1593
Click on the image below to download the flyer and registration form.
