Walter Reedís Army Community Service, Family Advocacy Program hosts the Family Fun Festival, in the main installationís Rose Garden, April 5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.There will be a parade, carnival, clowns, face painting, food, and safety information booths, Officer McGruff, Sparky the Dog and plenty of fun. For more information about the event, call Darline Merriwether or Monette Greene at (202) 782-3412.

The Walter Reed community strives to provide children with an environment filled with caring adults, safe homes and schools and an installation that is committed to promoting the safety and well-being of children.

Itís important every Soldier, civilian employee, and Family member support the mission of protecting and addressing the needs of children. Preventing child abuse and neglect is an essential aspect of the Family Advocacy Program. Although times may be stressful, itís important everyone remember to protect the safety and well-being of children and Families.

The first and most important line of defense for children is their Families. Resilient parents, relatives and friends are indispensable in the lives of children particularly in stressful situations. Making our Families and installation a protective and nurturing place for children is everyoneís responsibility. Our children deserve:

ï safe streets, safe schools and safe communities;

ï opportunities for growing up strong and healthy; and,

ï chances to develop to their highest potential physically, emotionally and intellectually.