The American Legion attended the Pentagon’s ‘Bring Your Child to Work Day’ event for an opportuntiy to interact with 8,000 children and their parents.
The Pentagon held its fourth “Bring Your Child to Work Day” on April 23 where more than 8,000 kids attended to learn about what their parents do at work, participate in activities and to interact with veteran-focused organizations that included The American Legion.
The American Legion had a booth in the courtyard that was attended by staff from the Americanism Division and Office of Fund Development in Indianapolis, and from the National Security Division in Washington, D.C. They distributed more than 3,000 hand-held U.S. flags, and copies of the comic books “Our Country’s Veterans” and “I Pledge Allegiance” as well as the “Rise of Our Flag” graphic novel. The staff also helped conduct flag-folding procedures with the children and shared about American Legion youth programs.
The engagement of The American Legion with the children and their parents “provided a meaningful, first-hand look into the work we do here in the Washington, D.C., office, but also the broader impact The American Legion has on our servicemembers, veterans and their families,” said Ariel de Jesus, deputy director of The American Legion National Security Division, who attended the event. “This gesture resonated strongly with attendees, particularly the children, and sparked meaningful conversations with active duty servicemembers and veterans about our mission and programs.”
The American Legion was the only veterans service organization represented at the Pentagon’s “Bring Your Child to Work Day” event. It was an opportunity extended thanks to the relationship The American Legion’s Washington, D.C., office staff has developed with the Pentagon, Department of Defense and the White House through programs, legislative action and veteran and servicemember support.
“Through sustained engagement in MSO (military service organizations) and VSO (veteran service organizations) forums, and initiatives like The American Legion’s BASE (Base Assessment and Servicemember Experience) program, The American Legion has evolved into a trusted VSO focused on quality of life, readiness and support for servicemembers and their families,” de Jesus said. “Programs such as American Legion Boys Nation (which visits the Pentagon during its week-long program in July), along with regular installation visits and senior leader engagements, have been instrumental in building these relationships.
“Our presence at this event reflects the strength of these relationships and our continued commitment to supporting servicemembers and their families.”
- Youth