A month of celebrating children and youth

A month of celebrating children and youth

The American Legion has celebrated "April is Children & Youth Month" for the past 77 years by supporting and promoting its national theme – "Children... Our Most Precious Natural Resource." During this month of celebration, American Legion family members are encouraged to show their local communities the Legion’s commitment to young people by hosting youth activities or by becoming involved in programs and organizations that support young people.

For ideas on how to support and promote Children & Youth Month in your community, download a copy of the "April is Children & Youth Month" brochure. Legion family members can promote Children & Youth Month awareness through their local newspapers, radio and TV stations, civic groups, schools, social media, and in conversations with other veterans and their families. Communities need to know that American Legion services are available and why young people matter so much to us.

For the past four years, Legion family members at American Legion Post 371 in Valparaiso, Neb., have hosted an event-filled day in April at the post for military kids and other local youth. The children enjoy lunch, firetruck and hay rides, crafts, a petting zoo, a bouncy house, face painting and a magic show. They also write Mother's Day and Father's Day cards for their parents and visit with members of the state and local police department.

"Our intentions were to give the kids the experience of meeting a deputy in person in a friendly atmosphere so if there was ever a time of need, they would not be intimidated with talking with a law official," said Don Suchy, member of Post 371 and National Commander Michael D. Helm's aide.

The children and youth also recite the Pledge of Allegiance and pledge not to be a bully.

"The afternoon is a very rewarding experience for the children and youth, as well as the volunteers," said Marge Suchy, Don's wife and a member of Auxiliary Unit 371. "Our goal is to provide an afternoon of fun for all the kids with a lifetime of memories."

Remember to share on www.legiontown.org how your post, squadron or unit supported Children & Youth Month.