By DaiJanea Dates and Katila Dickerson Crusaders’ Chronicle
Veterans Day, Nov. 11, is set aside to honor the men and women who are fighting and have fought for our country. Nov. 7 marked the start of a three-part program that did just that.
A parade for veterans started oNov. 7 at E. Jefferson and Chene near Martin Luther King Jr. Senior High School. Many veterans were appreciative to have a parade to honor them. Sgt. 1st Class Phillips stressed his gratitude.
“It’s a great honor that the nation sets aside a day to recognized the men and women that served this grateful nation. It’s a big honor, a huge honor even, and we thank you for your support,” Phillips said.
Master Sgt. Marian Jackson said, “I was in the army for 25 years active duty. I think it’s a good idea to recognize those that commit themselves to serving this country. They gave up their tomorrow for our today.”
The Junior Reserves Officers Training Corps program was a major participant in the parade.
“It was a lot of fun,” said Sophomore Tia Smith. “It’s nice that we actually get to, you know, show them that we do appreciate them and that we thank them for protecting our country and I think that it was awesome that we were able to march in this parade.”
On Nov. 11, King High held its 5th annual Veterans Day Ceremony honoring the men and women who are fighting and have fought for our country.
The Ceremony gathered all the students and staff in the auditorium to show their respect for both fallen soldiers and the day’s honorees. The honorees were SFC Hooks, SSG Boca, SSG Gass, SSG Dickerson and A1 McCledom. They were each given a plague for showing great leadership, integrity, courage, and having a strong mindset.
“You meet a lot of people, learn amazing leadership skills, and do things that you didn’t know you could do,” Navy Airman Spivie said.
The programs continued with the help of staff and students in the JROTC program. With their help, King High has been chosen every year to host and participate in these events.
The 31st annual Veterans Day ceremony took place at the Elmwood Cemetery across the street from King High School, this ceremony honored those men and women who have fallen while fighting for our freedom. At 9 a.m., the program started as all DPS JROTC programs came to give respect for the fallen soldiers.
White doves being release at ceremonies such as this one represent the memories of the fallen soldiers. It’s a loving way to respect the ones we are honoring, and symbolizes the freedom, peace, and love that they all wanted for this country.
“It was truly a beautiful ceremony,” said senior Parris Traylor. “I really loved it when they released the dove. I think it symbolized the peace that we should all want in this world.”
