SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- Members of Team Seymour pledged their support for the prevention of child abuse during a proclamation ceremony and a “pinwheels for prevention” event March 27.
Col. Brian Armstrong, 4th Fighter Wing vice commander, joined Goldsboro Mayor Chuck Allen and many other distinguished guests inside City Hall proclaiming the official beginning of Child Abuse Prevention Month.
“We know that community-based, collaborative efforts have proven to be the key to reaching out to those at risk and preventing abuse and neglect,” said Armstrong during the ceremony. “We must fight for every child and we must all be a part of the solution.”
Armstrong’s words were echoed during the proclamation ceremony, as the Honorable Ericka James, 8th Judicial District judge, read both the Child Abuse Prevention proclamation and the Month of the Military Child proclamation on behalf of the mayor.
“I hereby proclaim April as Child Abuse Prevention Month and call upon all citizens, community agencies, faith groups, medical facilities, elected leaders and businesses to increase their participation in our efforts to support families, thereby preventing child abuse and strengthening the communities in which we live,” James said concluding the proclamation.
Other members of Team Seymour also supported the event, as children from child development center pre-school program sang a song, while the Tiger Command Chorus, Dillard Middle School's choral group, concluded the event by singing and performing interpretive dances.
Armstrong also was the “king” of the Pinwheels for Prevention parade at the CDC, where the children made a “pinwheel garden” in the playground area.
“The pinwheel is the symbol of child abuse prevention, representing community efforts to provide children with the safe, stable, nurturing, and healthy relationships they need to thrive,” said Jerome Ellis, 4th Medical Operations Squadron family advocacy outreach manager.
The family advocacy program office will display about 1,000 pinwheels near the Berkeley Gate throughout April.
For more information about child abuse awareness and prevention, contact Jerome Ellis at 722-1878.