U.S. Fleet Activities Yokosuka area Sailors recently paid tribute to military-connected children at Ikego Elementary School’s Military Child Assembly and Carnival.

Twenty-four Sailors from various commands, including Yokosuka’s Security Department and Commander Submarine Group 7, saluted children and manned carnival games after school as part of the celebration on April 19.

“I think it’s important to recognize that these little kids go through some very hard times when their parents leave,” Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Diana Arrezmorales of Fleet Activities Yokosuka Security said about why she volunteered at the event.

The Military Child Assembly and Carnival is an annual event organized by Ikego Elementary School’s Military Outreach Committee of Teachers and Parent Teacher Organization. The goal of the event is “to honor (military-connected kids) for their sacrifices, because they have to serve when their families serve,” said Carmen Borja, a member of the Military Outreach Committee of Teachers.

She explained that children who move with their U.S. military-connected parents often leave behind friends and family. Or, they face being separated from their parents when they deploy.

Of course, there are benefits to this lifestyle too, said Ames Singley, a physical education teacher at Ikego Elementary. “They say goodbye, but they make new friends too,” said Singley, adding that they also get to see the world, learn about different cultures and be surrounded by a supportive community.

The community’s support was on full display as the students left the assembly walking past two rows of saluting Sailors and a big group of parents and teachers ready with smiles, hugs and applause. Afterward, the community celebrated further with food and games at a carnival.

“It’s a good way to bring the commands together as well as the community,” Arrezmorales said.

Besides Yokosuka’s Security Department and Commander Submarine Group 7, Sailors from the base Admin Department, Tactical Training Group Pacific, Commander Naval Surface Group Western Pacific, U.S. Naval Computer and Telecommunication Station Far East, Afloat Training Group Western Pacific and the USS Mustin (DDG 89) also volunteered at the event.

“It was so amazing to see the Sailors saluting our kids,” said Ashley Givens, a Navy spouse who has two kids attending Ikego Elementary. Describing the salute as “emotional,” Givens reflected on the meaning of the event for her family.

“This life that we lead can be so challenging and somethings I forget how it can affect my kids, so it’s great to be able to celebrate them in this way,” said Givens. “They felt so special having their own parade. It was truly a special day.”

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