More than 100 children, teachers and parents gathered Thursday at Sandhills Children’s Center in Southern Pines to honor the men and women who protect America by celebrating Memorial Day with a parade.
Students opened up the ceremonies by leading the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance and the singing of the National Anthem. Then, dressed in red, white and blue, the students marched twice around the front circle of the Southern Pines Campus donning handmade American flags, bells, and other celebratory items.
To cap off the exciting morning, children gathered and welcomed summer as they enjoyed freeze pops on the front lawn of the center.
“These children love parades,” said one Sandhills Children’s Center teacher. “They will remember these experiences and grow up understanding the importance of days like Memorial Day.”
Another teacher observed: The children certainly enjoyed their experience today and there’s a good chance the freeze pops had something to do with it.
Sandhills Children’s Center is a private, non-profit organization that offers an inclusive child developmental day program for children with and without special developmental needs, ages birth through 5. The Children’s Center provides educational programs, therapeutic and nutritional services, and family support.
With two campus locations in Southern Pines of Moore County and Rockingham of Richmond County, and an Outreach Program that serves Moore, Richmond, Hoke and Scotland Counties, the center currently serves more than 350 children on a daily basis.























