By Dalton Lambe
Cadet at East Rowan High School

GRANITE QUARRY — On Nov. 11, the East Rowan JROTC Battalion participated in the Veterans Day parade.

The cadets arrived in the parking lot of East Rowan High at 8:30 a.m. to get their orders for the day. Cadets then formed up into their companies to conduct the inspection. Once they were done with the inspection they went to promotions.

Many of the cadets were either awarded a medal, ribbon or were promoted to a higher rank. As soon as they finished with promotions, the cadets formed into a battalion and started to practice marching. The battalion was led by cadet Richey, who is the battalion commander.

After practice, the cadets were able to eat lunch prepared by “Big Will” and Anita Sigmon. The Sigmon family made hamburgers, hotdogs and desserts. Paige Overcash also made her famous cupcakes. Once they finished lunch, cadets got on buses to go to Hefner VA Medical Center to march for the veterans at 1 p.m. When they arrived at the VA, the cadets formed up again so they were ready for the parade.

In front of the battalion, two cadets held up a banner that showed people who the cadets were and what school they attend. Then came the battalion commander, followed by the color guard, led by cadet Johnson.

Behind the color guard was the battalion staff, led by cadet Cruse who is the executive officer for the battalion. Then came the guidons, which was held by a cadet from each company. The guidons are used so the cadets in the battalion can see which way to go.

Following the guidons was the main battalion consisting of 64 cadets. The battalion had two cadence callers to keep the battalion in step and direct them while marching. The parade at the VA lasted one hour and was half a mile long. In all, the battalion did a wonderful job with respecting and honoring the veterans who are at the VA.

When they finished with the parade, they proceeded to Stallings Memorial Baptist Church on South Main Street at 2:30 p.m. After they formed up they started to march down South Main Street. The East Rowan battalion marched to Kerr Street, where it ended.

As with the VA, the cadets did a wonderful job honoring and respecting the veterans. This parade has been and always will be a great JROTC event for cadets. They understand the sacrifices that veterans make while in the service. Cadets will always be grateful for their courage and sacrifice.