There are blue pinwheels blowing in the breeze all over Rutherford and Cannon Counties. The pinwheels are planted every April in observance of Child Abuse Prevention Month.

In 2008, Prevent Child Abuse America introduced the pinwheel as the new national symbol for child abuse prevention through their Pinwheels for Prevention Campaign. In communities across the nation and here in Rutherford County children’s advocates will be planting blue pinwheels in April for Child Abuse Prevention Month.

"When you see the pinwheels this April take a moment to think about the adults in your childhood who kept you safe and helped you have a happy childhood," said Child Advocacy Center director Sharon De Boer. "And if you were abused as a child think about the people in your life who helped you survive the abuse and heal from the trauma."

The Rutherford County Coalition Against Child Abuse planted the first pinwheel garden at the Murfreesboro Police Department, 1004 North Highland Ave., at 8:30 a.m. April 1.

"You can show your support of child abuse victims by joining the Coalition on April 1 and helping plant blue pinwheels," said Coalition Chairperson Brittnie Noble. "You can also show your support by planting pinwheels at your business, school, church, or home."

By nature, the pinwheel connotes whimsy and childhood. It is a reminder that all children deserve a happy childhood.