Columbus AFB kicks off Month of the Military Child with parade

Children from the Child Development Center march in the Month of the Military Child parade April 1, 2019, on Columbus Air Force Base, Miss. The month of April is set aside every year as a time to honor and recognize the sacrifices made by military families worldwide, with an emphasis on dependent children whom experience military family members serving at home and overseas. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Hannah Bean)

Columbus AFB kicks off Month of the Military Child with parade

Lt. Col. Bennet Burton, 14th Mission Support Group deputy commander, announces a proclamation during the Month of the Military Child parade April 1, 2019, on Columbus Air Force Base, Miss. The parade and proclamation officially began the Month of the Military Child for Columbus AFB. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Hannah Bean)

Columbus AFB kicks off Month of the Military Child with parade

Published April 4, 2019
By Airman Hannah Bean
14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs

COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- The 14th Flying Training Wing celebrated the first day of Month of the Military Child with a parade April 1.

Lt. Col. Bennet Burton, 14th Mission Support Group deputy commander, announced a proclamation to begin the month long celebration.

In 1986, the secretary of defense proclaimed April as the Month of the Military Child. Burton narrated this designation as a recognition of the contributions and sacrifices military children make as their parent or parents serve this great nation.

The month of April is set aside every year as a time to honor and recognize the sacrifices made by military families worldwide, with an emphasis on dependent children whom experience military family members serving at home and overseas.

“The Month of the Military Child is basically where we acknowledge the children for the entire month,” said Victoria Bentley, Columbus Air Force Base Child Development Center assistant program manager. “It’s putting an emphasis on the children and giving them a moment to shine and do cool activities because they make just as much of a sacrifice if not more.”

Military life impacts every member of the family, right down to the youngest member. As dependents, children bear a difficult burden as they selflessly share their parent with the military. Military children endure separations because of deployments and frequent reintegration into new schools every few years; however, these experiences make them unique and resilient.

As the month celebration continues, families will be able to participate in many activities, such as a Purple Up Day and a Movie on the Lawn April 12, a and Spring Fling April 20 which will feature egg hunts for various age ranges, face painting, petting zoo, games bounce castles and more.

“We celebrate our children’s energy, wonder and resilience,” Burton said. “We are honored to be a part of their lives and our child’s journeys to continue to grow and learn. Let the celebration begin!”