JROTC Leads the Veteran’s Day Parade

JROTC members prepare to march in the Veteran’s Day parade. (Photo Provided / EagleTalon)

Veteran’s Day for many is a day that honors the sacrifice of our nation's veterans so that we can live freely. Every year, a Veteran’s Day Parade is held in Jacksonville to commend our fallen soldiers and veterans for their years of service and dedication to our country.  

(Photo Provided / EagleTalon)

This year, for the first time, Paxon’s Army JROTC program had the honor of leading the parade through the downtown area.   

When the parade first started, all eyes were on the cadets, hands were sweaty, and nerves were high.   

“I was really nervous because it was my first parade, but I knew it’d be over fast,” sophomore Niya Williams said.  

Throughout the parade, bystanders clapped and cheered as cadets marched down the road.  

(Photo Provided / EagleTalon)

“It was such a privilege to be able to lead the parade with my mighty Paxon Eagles,” Army Instructor Major DeVoe said.  

The three-mile walk seemingly felt as if it was only a mile as the Battalion called cadences and everyone was on step.   

“The atmosphere was a tad bit overwhelming,” sophomore Eesa Hoosain said. “Everyone on the side was cheering and clapping for us. They’d even repeat the cadences that were called.”  

(Photo Provided / EagleTalon)

As the parade came to an end, cadets’ feet were hurting, and mouths were dry. Cadets proudly said that although they were exhausted, it was a wonderful feeling for Paxon’s Army JROTC program to lead the parade.