The Christian County Fiscal Court room was filled with children Tuesday morning — all on hand for a bevy of special proclamations confirming April as “Month of the Military Child,” and “Purple Up!” Day for April 15.
Hopkinsville Mayor JR Knight, Christian County Judge-Executive Jerry Gilliam and Oak Grove Mayor Jackie Oliver shared uplifting words with the families — many of them awaiting family members to return from overseas assignments.
Annually, more than 40,000 Kentucky students can be linked to military connections. Children in these families are frequently relocated in service to country, and since 1986, the U.S. military and its tangential communities have celebrated “Month of the Military Child,” shining light on the unique challenges these kids face — usually with resilience and dignity.
A few dates for military families to remember this month:
+ On April 12, a “Paint & Skate” Youth Event will be held from 10 AM until 2 PM at 2700 Richard Street in Hopkinsville. Lunch and paint will be provided. It’s hosted by Kentucky-based non-profit Dad’s House Inc. Kids will help create a mural, and professional artists will be on-site to guide and assist. The final artwork will reflect an exciting and cohesive design concept. There will be inflatables for kids, and a fire truck and smoke house will be made available through the Hopkinsville Fire Department. There will be an ice-cream truck, while a “Paint a Feather” project will be available for toddlers.
+ Just in time for the Easter celebration, “Hams For Heroes” has been set for April 17 at the Oak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel, with hams available to veterans and, for the first time, first responders. Sponsors include City of Oak Grove, City of Hopkinsville Local Government, Christian County Fiscal Court and Trigg County.
+ Then, from 5-9 PM April 22, military children and their families are invited Southern Lanes on Canton Pike for a fun-filled evening of free bowling, coaching, and mentoring. Students will work with Christian County Public Schools and Hopkinsville Christian Academy bowling teams, and young bowlers will have the opportunity to learn from experienced players while enjoying a night of camaraderie and support.
