As part of our Military Family Month celebration, the Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA) is proud to launch its annual art and essay contests for the children of active duty and retired service members from all branches of the military, including the National Guard and Reserves.

The children of military personnel endure unique challenges that can sometimes make it difficult for them to relate to their civilian classmates. ASYMCA’s art and essay contests celebrate these differences and help teach these children that their families are special and deserving of recognition.

The art and essay contests are also an important way for ASYMCA and all Americans to rally behind military families during their time of need. With thousands of troops deployed in overseas conflicts, the children of America’s brave military personnel need creative outlets to express themselves. When separated from a parent, children will react differently—they may be sad, scared, or confused. But each and every child who enters ASYMCA’s art and essay contests is clearly proud of their military parent.

We see countless moving and heartfelt entries every year that indicate sincerity, maturity, and wisdom beyond the years of the young authors and artists who create them. In recent years, children have written about their parent’s deployment in Iraq; one of last year’s winning essays was by a young girl whose father was killed in action. One of last year’s most touching pieces of artwork featured a family waving goodbye to a Navy ship. Despite their young age, these children embrace the important role their families play in keeping America safe. Seeing their patriotism and selflessness inspires me to redouble my efforts to serve military families.

To enter this year’s art contest, children in kindergarten through sixth grade should submit a color drawing on a 6 x 8 inch template provided by ASYMCA. First-place winners from each branch of service, including National Guard and Reserve, will be awarded a $500 U.S. savings bond; second-place winners will receive a $100 U.S. savings bond. All winning artwork will be featured on the ASYMCA Web site and on a Military Family Month poster, which will be distributed to members of Congress and Department of Defense officials.  

This year’s essay contest asks children in grades 1-12 to write about “Why My Military Mom/Dad Is My Hero.” First-place winners from grade categories 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, and 7-8 will each receive a $500 U.S. savings bond; second-place winners will receive a $100 U.S. savings bond.  First-place winners from grade categories 9-10 and 11-12 will each receive a $1,000 U.S. savings bond; second-place winners will receive a $200 U.S. savings bond; and two essays will receive $100 U.S. savings bonds for honorable mention.

This is a small way to recognize the selflessness of America’s military families, but for the children who enter, it is their time to shine. If you know a child who would like to enter, please visit www.asymca.org for contest guidelines and entry forms.