‘Unsung heroes’: Carthage honors military children

CARTHAGE, N.Y. (WWTI) — “I’m a military child,” and “I’m a military kid.”

These were phrases that were proudly said in the Carthage High School auditorium on April 17.

“I’ve witnessed firsthand the values of service, sacrifice and patriotism by watching my dad,” Carthage Senior Alexandria VanMeter expressed. “I learned the importance of bravery when it comes to tough times like deployment. By watching my mother.”

“It can be difficult to adjust to a new place,” Carthage High School Junior Drew Meyer added. “New people often find myself missing my old neighborhood and friends.”

April is recognized as the Month of the Military Child, and Carthage took time to celebrate this population of students throughout the month.

At a formal celebration on April 17, military children were given a certificate of appreciation from the district. Families also attended and enjoyed music and remarks from district officials.

“Despite these obstacles, our students continue to demonstrate remarkable courage and resilience, serving as beacons of hope and strength for all of us,” Carthage CSD Superintendent Jennifer Premo said to families at the ceremony.

At the Carthage Central School District, 40% of the student body is military-connected. This is due to the district’s proximity to the Fort Drum military installation.

From deployments to military trainings, homecomings and movement, the school district has seen it all.

“There’s a lot of things that military kids are going through that they might not talk about right away,” Fort Drum Garrison Commander Colonel Matthew Meyer explained. “We have a deployment coming up for one of the units on Fort Drum. And those kids are preparing right now to be away from their parents. And that can be really tough.”

However, this is a “normal” lifestyle for military children, who have adjusted to constant movement.

“I have noticed that my life seems normal to me,” Carthage High School Senior Alyssa Allen noted. “Deployments are normal almost. So while it’s my entire family, it’s also just as normal to be alone without my dad. So most of them don’t understand that. But I definitely think it’s something that I’m used to in they’re not.”

“Military children have to make a lot of sacrifices, but a life rife with amazing experiences makes those sacrifices worth it,” Drew Meyer expressed.

To all military children in the North Country and further, thank you for your strength and bravery.

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