By Abigail B., Age 11
Dandelions represent us as we float across the states
Traveling from one place to the next
Leaving one home after another
Planting new seeds all along the way
Parents deploy as we wave goodbye to them, like stems swaying in the wind
We wish they would return soon
But we know it could be a long wait
Like dandelion fluff on the breeze, we are always moving
Changing schools,
Leaving friends behind, and making new ones
We are not weeds, we are the ones that thrive even in the worst conditions
Not only do we work for individuals, but for a higher purpose
In a hard packed field we break up the ground, making way for new flowers to grow
Abigail, age 11, explores the theme of dandelions and how they represent military children, blooming wherever they’re planted, through poetry in honor of Month of the Military Child. | Photo credit Courtesy Photo
Just like dandelions, being a military child means we are different
We get to travel all around
Meeting lots of people
Enduring lots of things
We are proud to be military children
We are proud of our parents, who they are, and what they do
We are beautiful and unique just like the flowers that represent our families and us
We are strong and resilient wherever our roots take place
We spread all over the world for our families greater cause
“Abigail has always liked writing and had the opportunity to reflect on what it means to be a military child as part of a competition at her DODEA school this spring. Abigail is a 5th grader and recently moved across the county after several assignments at the same location. Being a military child is all she has ever known.” – Abigail’s mother
Curious to see and read more about military kids’ experiences? Check out our 2025 USO Military Kids Creative Showcase!
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Every day, America’s service members selflessly put their lives on the line to keep us safe and free. Please take a moment to let our troops know how much we appreciate their service and sacrifice.