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Children Take on the Pentagon for a Day

April 26, 2024 |DOD News

More than 8,000 children joined their parents and others for a series of special events and entertainment during "Bring a Child to Work Day" at the Pentagon.

Service members holding flags and a ceremonial rifle stand before a large group of people.
Service members holding flags and a ceremonial rifle stand before a large group of people.
Honor Guard
The Pentagon Honor Guard displays flags to begin the “Bring a Child to Work Day” event at the Pentagon, April 25, 2024.
Download: Full Size (4.66 MB)
Credit: Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jack Sanders, DOD
VIRIN: 240425-D-XI929-1005

The day began in the Pentagon Courtyard with speeches from senior Defense Department officials and a little bit of singing, break dancing, magic tricks and military performances. 

A magician performs on a stage with a child.
A magician performs on a stage with a child.
Magic Performance
Drew Blue Shoes Magician performs on stage during “Bring a Child to Work Day” at the Pentagon, April 25, 2024. This annual event is designed to help children experience the workforce and showcase different roles within the Defense Department. This year's theme "Inspire 2 Aspire" instilled a mindset that children can choose their own future.
Download: Full Size (1.71 MB)
Credit: Bernardo Fuller, Army
VIRIN: 240425-A-AJ780-1015
A woman stands and speaks into a microphone attached to a lectern on a stage with someone seated behind her.
A woman stands and speaks into a microphone attached to a lectern on a stage with someone seated behind her.
Hicks Remarks
Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks provides remarks to open “Bring a Child to Work Day” at the Pentagon, April 25, 2024.
Download: Full Size (2.58 MB)
Credit: Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jack Sanders, DOD
VIRIN: 240425-D-XI929-1007
A soldier break dances with a child.
A soldier break dances with a child.
Break Dancers
A child break dances while members of the Army Field Band “Rappers” sing to a group of children during "Bring a Child to Work Day" at the Pentagon, April 25, 2024. The annual event is designed to help children experience the workforce and showcase different roles within the Defense Department. This year's theme "Inspire 2 Aspire" instilled a mindset that children can choose their own future.
Download: Full Size (1.85 MB)
Credit: Bernardo Fuller, Army
VIRIN: 240425-A-AJ780-1009
Kids also got a chance to interact with role models — both human and canine.

An astronaut speaks to two children from across a table.
An astronaut speaks to two children from across a table.
Astronaut Advice
Dr. Kathleen Rubins, an American microbiologist and NASA astronaut, speaks with two children during “Bring a Child to Work Day” at the Pentagon, April 25, 2024. The annual event is designed to help children experience the workforce and showcase different roles within the Defense Department. This year's theme "Inspire 2 Aspire" instilled a mindset that children can choose their own future.
Download: Full Size (2.7 MB)
Credit: Bernardo Fuller, Army
VIRIN: 240425-A-AJ780-1001A
Two children pet a dog. One child looks at the camera.
Two children pet a dog. One child looks at the camera.
Comfort Dog
Two children pet Lucy, a comfort dog belonging to the Animal-Assisted Crisis Response, a program that helps people cope with disasters, during “Bring a Child to Work Day” at the Pentagon, April 25, 2024. The annual event is designed to help children experience the workforce and showcase different roles within the Defense Department. This year's theme "Inspire 2 Aspire" instilled a mindset that children can choose their own future.
Download: Full Size (1.83 MB)
Credit: Bernardo Fuller, Army
VIRIN: 240425-A-AJ780-1005
But for many, the day's highlight was a chance to become reporters and ask the tough questions during mock news conferences in the Pentagon briefing room.

A civilian stands behind a lectern in front of the Pentagon seal and the American flag and points to children in the audience.
A civilian stands behind a lectern in front of the Pentagon seal and the American flag and points to children in the audience.
Mock Briefing
Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh holds a mock briefing for "Bring a Child to Work Day" at the Pentagon, April 25, 2024.
Download: Full Size (1.38 MB)
Credit: Joseph Clark, DOD
VIRIN: 240425-D-WM747-1014
Children sit in a briefing room with adults.
Children sit in a briefing room with adults.
Kids Briefing
Children and their parents listen to a mock briefing for "Bring a Child to Work Day" at the Pentagon, April 25, 2024.
Download: Full Size (2.97 MB)
Credit: Joseph Clark, DOD
VIRIN: 240425-D-WM747-1011

The event is designed to help children experience the workforce and showcase different roles within the Defense Department. This year's theme "Inspire 2 Aspire" instills a mindset that children can choose their own future.

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A child sits behind the wheel of a cart and holds on as if to steer while a soldier leans in to give instruction.
Four coast guardsmen toss rifles in the air in front of a stage and a 5th observes while performing for an audience.
A child wears a headset and goggles.
A child in fatigues break dances on the ground.
An airman sings on a stage with a drummer behind and a blurred audience in the foreground.
Adults and children look at a multi-colored wheel.
Several soldiers perform, two with raised arms, in front of a very blurred audience and background.
Several children stand at a table with the words SAFFM and other items while a service member stands behind them and others are seen in the background.
Band members play as a singer gestures. An audience can be seen in the foreground, watching the performance.
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Spotlight: Month of the Military Child Spotlight: Month of the Military Child: https://www.defense.gov/Spotlights/Month-of-the-Military-Child/

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