Second Lady Usha Vance surprised hundreds of children on Thursday, April 23, by walking onto the main stage in the Pentagon courtyard to read them a story.
More than 8,000 kids showed up with their parents for the War Department’s fourth Bring Your Child to Work Day. The event gave families a look inside the massive headquarters and let children see what their moms and dads do every day.
Vance’s story time became one of the day’s highlights. She read “Buddy the Soldier Bear,” a book by Mary Joy about a stuffed bear that ends up in a care package for a soldier overseas, shares adventures, and finally joins a military family back home. Most of the kids sitting on the lawn already had their own copy.
Vance on how books matter in her house
Vance, mother of three, tied the reading to her 2026 summer reading challenge. She told the crowd that books matter a lot in her house.
“I have three kids … we’re big readers in our family, and I just wanted to emphasize that this summer, I’m very excited to have a summer reading challenge again,” she said.
The day started with Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and his wife, Jennifer, welcoming the families on a sunny morning.
Jennifer Hegseth said it was special for kids to see behind the Pentagon’s famous walls, a place most people only know from TV or movies.
“Your parents represent America’s values to the rest of the world every day, values like freedom, democracy, and opportunity,” she said.
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Pete Hegseth reminded the children that their parents wear the uniform with pride and do the tough job of defending the country.
“Defending this country requires brave people, brave people like your mom and dad,” he said. “Your parents are the best of America. They’re raising you to love this country, to serve God, and to serve the Constitution.”
After the welcome, kids spread out through the building and the courtyard. They tried face painting, met military working dogs, and looked at equipment displays from all the services.
The Army introduced enhanced night-vision goggles. An Air Force explosive ordnance disposal team showed its gear. Marines demonstrated martial arts, and the Navy set up a STEM exhibit. One popular stop was an infantry squad vehicle.
Kids get a chance to use military items, meet Vance in person
Twelve-year-old Henry tried on the night vision goggles with his brother William and sister Lucy. He carried a “Mission Match” passport that sent him to displays from every military branch, plus a few more.
He said the canine training was the most exciting part. Henry wants to join the military someday, maybe in combat arms. “I want to fight,” he said.
Fifteen-year-old Jeremiah, whose mother serves in the Air Force, has lived in Romania and Germany due to relocations.
He said he enjoyed seeing the world, but that he liked Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana best. At the Pentagon, he checked out thermal and night imaging gear from the Army. Jeremiah does not plan to join the military. He wants to study mechanical engineering at Purdue.
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Inside the briefing room, Pentagon Press Secretary Kingsley Wilson ran mock press conferences. Kids sat in the seats usually filled by reporters and asked questions about helicopters, equipment, and how the building works.
Wilson told them the room exists to explain the work of service members. “This time, you all get to be the reporters, and you get to ask the questions,” she said.
When one child asked how many helicopters the military has, Wilson laughed and answered, “Definitely a lot of helicopters. Our helicopter pilots are really incredible.”
The event gave children a rare chance to walk the halls their parents know well. They left with a better idea of the daily work at the Pentagon and the people who keep the country safe.
For many, Vance’s story time on the lawn made the day even more memorable.
