Library honors Military Child Month

Did you know that April is the month recognizing the 1.7 million American military-dependent children worldwide, including Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corp?

The Moorcroft branch Public Library has set a table, according to Pam Jespersen, at the request of American Legion Auxiliary member Vicki Paddock.

The table is inspired by the POW/MIA ceremony honoring veterans who never made it home. This table setting reminds people, though, of the kids who sacrifice much more than their civilian contemporaries understand.

Jespersen said that while this is the first year the library has participated in the military child ceremony, "We always sell poppies and do other things for them."

Paddock explained that the Military Child program is one that the Auxiliary has honored before; however, they participate in the actual ceremony at events specific to the Legion. She also clarified that the military aspect is only part of the designation as the month of April has been recognized as Child and Youth Month on a national level for 81 years.

The military children were acknowledged after the authority realized the detriment that not knowing about the safety and emotional wellbeing of their children brought to the soldiers. One part of the ceremony quotes an Air Force officer’s response when asked what he needed in Iraq: “Don’t send cookies, care packages or socks. Just help take care of our children.”

Like its inspiration, each item at the child’s setting is significant. The potted flowering plant symbolizes that wherever they are planted, they may flower and flourish, and the hand spade recognizes that they may be transplanted to a new location any place in the world at a moment’s notice, where they become fully immersed in the culture, make new friends and acclimate to a new school.

The birthday hat, unlit candle, baseball glove, ball and ballet slippers recognize the fact that special occasions are missed by one or both parents while serving their country and the family photo depicting a child or children with their uniformed parents represents the foundation of our country’s strength.

The flag represents that family, united in their commitment to national service and willing to make any sacrifice, both at home and abroad “To ensure that our flag continues to fly free.”

April 15 is “Purple Day”, reserved to show support for the sacrifice and strength of these kids by wearing purple indicating the combined color of all branches of the service.