Brian Hagberg
RUSSELL, Pa. – In an effort to “give back to the community,” the Blue Star Mothers of Kinzua 203 hosted a roller skating party for military kids at Russell Roller Rink on Sunday.
The event was open to children of active-duty military members and veterans and was held in recognition of April being the Month of the Military Child.
“Blue Star Mothers’ mission is to honor all of our veterans and our active military,” Blue Star Mothers of Kinzua 203 President Skyla Govier said. “With that being said, the children of our veteran and active military get to be honored as well, because they also keep moving around just like our troops do. They have to make new friends, they have to start, you know, growing. And so we wanted to honor them.”
Given the number of veterans who live in the county, Blue Star Mothers wanted to make sure to hold events where veterans and their families have a chance to be recognized for their service.
“We have a lot of veterans here in Warren County,” Govier said. “I believe we are one of the top five, and I believe it used to be number one, per capita the most veterans in all the counties in Pennsylvania. I think all the veterans that we have who are inviting their kids, and their grandchildren to come out today honors them also.”
More than 15 military children attended the 2-hour event that included skating, pizza, and cookies. And all received a T-shirt and a goodie bag as well.
“It is a lot of fun, especially to see the kids laughing and getting to know each other as other military children,” Govier said. “It is really good to see that they’re all able to bond together.”
As the calendar turns to May, Blue Star Mothers is gearing up to honor those high school students in Warren, Forest, and McKean Counties who have chosen to enlist in the U.S. Armed Forces. Blue Star Mothers will be hosting a ceremony for them on May 7, as well as attending local senior awards programs to recognize those enlistments.
“We’ve been doing a lot of fundraising the last couple of years,” Govier said. “Now we’re looking to take those funds and give back to the community.”
