Hometown Brandon - Winter 2015

The CHALKBOARD
Brandon high School Michaela Bankston, JROTC cadet
Patriot Parade
Friday, September 11, in place of a pre-game pep rally, students
were lined down the hallways as all JROTC cadets, in full dress
uniforms, marched through the school for the first ever Patriot
Parade. Local veterans and Wounded Warrior Project members
were invited to participate, weaving through the halls in front of
fellow students and peers. We did this in hopes of bringing our
soldiers, both past and present, to the forefront of the younger
generation’s minds.
Jake Mullins, cadet leader of the entire JROTC program and
one of the collaborators behind the parade, was asked to give a few
words on the parade. “This parade was solely about appreciating
America’s veterans and the sacrifices they have made for this
country. We also wanted to remember those who lost their lives
on the September 11th attacks. This event will hopefully make
students, as well as our whole community, more appreciative of
what our soldiers go through and of the freedoms that the
American people have.”
This event was open to any parent/community member who
wanted to join us. We loved seeing many people, not just students,
come out to support the cadets and especially the veterans and
Wounded Warriors who joined us on that historic day. We look
forward to sharing much more patriotism with friends and family. ■
78 • Fall Winter 2014 2015