On a sun-drenched autumn day in downtown Killeen, high school Junior ROTC cadets and senior marching band students brought the beat, the rhythmic cadence and the spirit of youth to the city’s annual Veterans Day parade.
Parade photos are loaded on www.killeenisd.org/photos
The “big three” highest-ranking JROTC student leaders of five high schools gathered before the start of the parade on the steps of City Hall for a group photo and to share thoughts of the holiday honoring the nation’s service members past and present.
Near the front of the parade, each JROTC battalion marched in formation and close behind, KISD’s All-Star Marching Band and color guard represented all five high schools, dressed in unique patriotic uniforms.
As formations gathered, the battalion commanders, all seniors, expressed their gratitude to soldiers and other military personnel who have ensured America’s freedom and their own pride in joining local veteran units and other community groups in the Killeen tradition.
“Today is a very special day for all the residents of Killeen,” said Bobcat Battalion commander Samuel Subrias, explaining the sacrifices of military members. “We thank the veterans every day, not just today. We’re eternally grateful to them.”
“I have veterans in my family. It’s good to support them and honor them,” said KHS Roo Battalion Commander Joshua Roman. “I’m a military kid so I’m very affected by military life. It’s an honor for me to celebrate those who fought, those who served, those who died.”
“This is important because we have all our cadets from all our high schools come in to honor our veterans,” said Ellison Battalion Commander Jeremiah Helu. “We are taking pride in our uniform, and it shows respect to our veterans. It’s all in homage to them.”
“The parade alone is a very serious event. Our veterans don’t get enough attention on a regular basis. This is a great way to shine them, to give them a spotlight,” said Shoemaker Battalion Commander Sarah Hernandez. “With all of us being here it shows how much we respect them and look up to them.”
“Veterans Day is a very ceremonious day to recognize our veterans,” said Harker Heights Battalion Commander Aaliyah Johnson. “Being in this parade allows us a time to express that gratitude. They have sacrificed a lot for our country.”
“Our battalion is very proud to be part of this event,” Subrias said. “Any JROTC Army affiliated event brings us together and exemplifies those Army qualities and that’s not as easy as it looks.”
“It feels nice. They look in our direction, and we feel like we’re doing this for a reason,” said Helu. “It’s a really cool feeling. I haven’t done much, but they’ve done a lot and they have earned our respect.”
“Seeing all the JROTCs here, you see this is a big community,” Hernandez said. “A lot of students don’t know about us, but we’re really committed. It’s really fun and motivating.”
“It’s very uplifting. It provides us a lot of morale,” said Johnson. “It’s a lot different than just watching. When we’re out there calling cadence, it’s a great experience to be a part of for sure.”