NEW CUMBERLAND, Pa. –
A group of superheroes gathered at Defense Logistics Agency Installation Management at Susquehanna Pennsylvania, but it wasn’t the kind you read about in comic books, it was an even more powerful group – military children.
More than 70 children and their families from the installation’s Child and Youth Program took part in a parade as part of the month-long recognition of the Month of the Military Child, an annual Department of Defense celebration of more than 1.6 million military children around the world.
“This April, I'm proud to honor the military and veteran children who endure the unique challenges of military life and serve our country without ever wearing a uniform,” said Lloyd Austin, Secretary of Defense, earlier this month. “We are grateful for their tenacity, resilience, and strength this month and every month.”
While military members serve around the world, we often forget the challenges faced by their children. Military families move on average every two to three years, impacting military children through changing schools and support networks.
The parade kicked off in front of the Child and Youth Programs building with a presentation of the colors by service members from the installation, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and signing of “This Land is Our Land,” by the pre-kindergarten class. After remarks from Valeria Bannerman, Facility Director and Krista Yeboah, Assistant Director of the Child and Youth Program, the parade commenced with a special stop in front of the emergency services building where Installation fire fighters presented the kids with stickers and a visit from Sparky the Fire Dog.
Learn more about Month of the Military Child at Month of the Military Child (defense.gov)