MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. -- Marine Corps Community Services began the Month of the Military Child with a SeaWorld animal show April 5 at the Bob Hope theater aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif.

The national Month of the Military Child involves MCCS staff members, volunteers and vendors working together to celebrate families of active-duty military members.

“Throughout the whole month, military bases will be participating in events, thanking families and active duty members,” said Nicole L. Wright, the special events and air show advertising coordinator with the MCAS Miramar marketing department.

Wright explained this annual celebration is a chance to give back to families.

“It shows appreciation. It’s the reason why we are here in the first place,” said Wright. “[The children] adapt and overcome just as much as their parents do. They wanted to give the kids something that says, ‘Hey, you’re not forgotten.’”

The events scheduled in April give kids a chance to learn new things, as well as to appreciate and enjoy life, Wright said.

“I remember it being very hard, even with my dad being gone for two weeks. I can’t imagine a parent being gone for six months,” said Alyssa Newbarth, a senior trainer for SeaWorld’s Animal Ambassador Team and military wife. “It’s about giving back. It’s just a little thing we can do to say thanks.”

Month of the Military Child events are scheduled to continue every Thursday throughout the month of April. Free movies are scheduled to be shown at the base theater following each event.

For more information call 858-577-6365 or visit www.mccsmiramar.com.