Story by David Altom, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
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Amelia Forsyth, daughter of Catherine Forsyth, 1204th Aviation Support Battalion, follows good safety protocol, buckling up in the seat of a tactical vehicle during the 2014 Military Child Appreciation Day held at the Healing Fields in Lawrenceburg, Ky. (Photo by Alli Burton, Community Outreach and Marketing Coordinator Kentucky National Guard)
LAWRENCEBURG, Ky. -- Nearly 4oo military children and parents were treated to an afternoon of fun and excitement at the annual Military Child Appreciation Day held at the Healing Fields in Lawrenceburg, Ky on Saturday April 26.
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Olivia Vance, daughter of Staff Sgt. Roger Vance, gets her pick of the popcorn from Spc. Felicia Harris, Kentucky National Guard Family Support Programs. (Photo by Alli Burton, Community Outreach and Marketing Coordinator Kentucky National Guard)
Under the watchful eye of more than 80 staff and community volunteers, participants were treated to a wide range of fun activities to include face painting, making wax hands, gardening, pony rides and dressing up for family photos. Local vendors donated food and snacks.
Click here for more photos of this event.
According to Cindy Culver, Youth Coordinator for Kentucky National Guard Family Programs, "We sponsor this event every year during to Month of the Military Child to honor military kids for their sacrifices that they make on a daily basis.
"This year's event really showed the love that everyone shares for our military kids," said Cindy Culver, an organizer for the event. "The highlight of the event for me was when Jolean O'Connell sang on stage like a superstar."
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Kylie Anders is the granddaughter of John Noe, who retired from the 149th Maneuver Enhanced Brigade. (Photo by Cindy Culver, Kentucky National Guard Youth Coordinator)
The daughter of Anthony Yarborough, Jolene is sight impaired. But that didn't stop her performance, which captured the attention of the audience.
"Everyone there had cold chills," she said. "The resilience shown by these kids is something we can all learn from."