This month was extremely active! We celebrated military-connected children in various ways throughout this Month of the Military Child (MOMC), but some standout events include: North Dakota’s MOMC Proclamation Signing at Grand Forks AFB, Minot’s MOMC Proclamation Signing at City Hall, Dakota Elementary School’s MOMC Assembly, North Plains Elementary School’s MOMC Assembly, and Clap-Ins at all three schools on Minot AFB!
As we come to the end of April, we mustn’t ever forget our military-connected students. Instead, let’s strive—always—to work harder, stronger, and with greater enthusiasm to support these children. They move often and must encounter all the trials of growing up – making compatible friends, good grades, and sound decisions – with the added weight of starting over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over again. The average military-connected student moves every two to three years. Their parent(s) made the decision to serve and their lives are subsequently impacted by this noble decision, which is why they deserve every bit of recognition for their resilience and adaptability to thrive wherever life takes them.
As we remember our military-connected students, let’s also reflect on one important symbol that defines this lot: the dandelion. This perennial plant represents military-connected children because they take root and bloom wherever they are planted. Their seeds also fly in the wind to locations worldwide. A beautiful reflection on the dandelion’s significance can be found in Ms. Kathryn Sullivan’s book titled “My Diary:”
I’d rather be a weed
What are weeds? They have color, stem,
and life. Who hasn’t picked up a dandelion,
made a wish, and cast it away into the wind,
as if the universe could somehow make it pos-
sible? They provide hope.
What are weeds? Simply a willful flower,
with a mind of its own. It’s determination to
take root, make change happen. It locks itself
into the ground, only to come back over and
over again determined to take root once again.
What are flowers? Pretty, useless things.
Providing occasional insight with the, “He loves
me, He loves me not…” Only later, to provide
despair when the answer you are searching for
is not offered.
As for me, I’d rather be a weed.
It is no surprise this excerpt comes from the mind of our School Age Coordinator in Child and Youth Programs on Minot AFB. As a spouse of a military member with her own two military-connected children aged 2 years and 4 years, Mrs. Sullivan understands how very significant it is to maintain hope and usefulness.
I look forward to joining you as we continue to cherish our military-connected children at Minot AFB’s “Famaganza” or Month of the Military Child Carnival at the Youth Center on Friday, April 24th from 5:30pm-7:30pm. I will have an information table and encourage you to stop by! Together, we can discuss the importance of the Military Interstate Compact and you can leave with increased knowledge, a School Liaison tote bag, and a plant! I cannot wait to connect with you all!
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