FORT LEE, Va. – Nearly 300 military children will be honored at the Fort Lee Summer Reading Program Award Ceremony here Thursday.

In acknowledgement of the program’s theme, “Read for the Win,” every child who participated will receive an Olympic-style ribbon, certificate of achievement and backpack. First and second place awards in five age-based categories will also be presented.

The summer reading program encourages military children to read at the youngest age possible, as often as possible for their lifetime.

“The younger a child is when they develop a love for reading, the better,” said Linda Flock, Library Technician and summer reading program action officer. “Reading is learning, learning is knowledge and knowledge is power.”

WHAT: Fort Lee Summer Reading Program Award Ceremony

WHO: Military children and families

WHEN: Thursday, Aug. 4, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
            (Media should plan to arrive 30 minutes early.)

WHERE: Lee Theater, Fort Lee

The Fort Lee Community Library hosts other reading programs throughout the year. ‘Story Time’ is held there every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. The Library’s ‘Read to Rover’ program, where children have the opportunity to read to service dogs, is held the second Tuesday of every month at 5:30 p.m.

“We are very proud of that many military children cultivate a passion for reading because of these programs,” said Flock.

Media planning to attend the event should contact Susan Garling at (804) 734-6893 or susan.n.garling.civ@mail.mil by 9:30 a.m. Thursday for escort instructions.

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