The Killeen ISD All-Star Marching Band and the district’s five high school Junior ROTC battalions gave KISD a strong and rhythmic presence Monday in the annual Central Texas Community Veterans Day parade in downtown Killeen.
Residents gathered in large groups clustered at intersections to watch the mix of children’s groups, the high school spirit groups and many veterans’ organizations march in full sun on the 80-degree day.
The band, which mixed all five KISD high school musicians, color guards and other elements, performed a variety of patriotic selections. The band is approximately 50 seniors from each high school invited to participate.
The five JROTC battalions, spread out over the first half or so of the parade entries, shouted out military cadences as they marched in step.
Meeting together prior to start time, the five high school battalion cadet commanders expressed the meaning behind the parade that honors veterans.
Killeen High School senior Natalie Gomez, JROTC Roo Battalion commander said the Veterans Day parade is an important memory for JROTC cadets as they progress through the program.
“We come every year. It’s meaningful to me because my parents are in the Army. Some people’s families don’t come home. It’s good to honor those veterans, the people who fought for us so we could be here today,” she said.
“It’s nice to see. We do some cadences. Some people say their feet hurt. It’s a good experience, especially for the freshmen to see what they’re walking into the next four years. I remember my freshman year very well.”
Ellison High School senior Jaylyn Madueno, Eagle Battalion commander, said the parade gives cadets a chance to contribute to their city’s proud military tradition.
“The Veterans Day parade is something I’ve done all four years. You see how important it is to the city of Killeen. They really understand the purpose of thanking our veterans,” she said of her cadet peers.
“It’s a good way to show our appreciation. A lot of parents have served and currently serve. I have family who served, too,” she said.
“Parades are one of my favorite things. You hear how excited people are when they see you. It feels like a legacy I can carry on. I think this is the right way to appreciate our soldiers and veterans.”
Shoemaker Grey Wolf Battalion Commander senior Tichina Brown said it’s an honor to join the community-wide effort to honor veterans.
“We’re here to honor the veterans who served our country. We want to make a big celebration to remember them,” Brown said.
“This my fourth time to do this parade. I like to hear the band and to see the horses. I like the big sounds and floats and shiny things. It’s great to be in there and participate. I get a sense of honor.”
Chaparral High School senior Dominic Medrano, battalion commander, expressed excitement to thank local veterans.
“Veterans Day to me is very important. Both my parents serve. It has a high importance to our battalion,” he said, pointing out the JROTC instructors who are all veterans.
“I think it’s a great honor coming out here with all these people. We march every day at school to hone our skills. I love coming out here with all these people.”
Harker Heights senior Isabella Melendez Rivera, battalion commander said the parade gives cadets a chance to show their care for military personnel past and present.
“I think Veterans Day is really important to show tribute to those who have served and risked their lives to make our nation great. The parade gives us a chance to commemorate and really show that we care for our veterans,” she said.
“It feels really rewarding to march along with people you’ve worked with for years and to really show out.”
The Central Texas Area Veterans Advisory Committee hosts the annual parade that begins alongside Killeen City Hall and weaves through downtown streets, ending at Gray Street and Avenue C.
This year’s Killeen parade was one of two in Texas designated a VA-recognized regional site. Killeen Mayor Debbie Nash-King received recognition from the VA in a brief ceremony prior to the parade start.
Veterans Day parade photo gallery:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/killeenisd/albums/72177720321864220
