Soddy-Daisy High School Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps from left are Cadet S2 Security Officer Brandon Pippin, Cadet Battalion Cmdr. Sam Haaf and Cadet Battalion S5 Lindsey Smith.
Photo by Katie WardNorth Hamilton veterans and 196 cadets will march in formation around the Soddy-Daisy High School track Nov. 8 at 6 p.m.
The SDHS Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps will march across the football field as the Trojan Marching Band plays patriotic music, and veterans will be recognized in the center of the field.
"Less than 2 percent of people in the United States serve in the military," said Lt. Col. Robert Ward, SDHS JROTC instructor. "We need to recognize the veterans."
Cadet Battalion Cmdr. Sam Haaf said local U.S. Army recruiters will watch as the cadets march on the field and grade them on marching technique. The best company will receive ribbons, and one cadet will be awarded the Legion of Valor Bronze Cross.
"Last year five cadets in the southeastern United States received the Legion of Valor Bronze Cross," said Ward, adding that cadets can later wear it on active military duty or while in college. "It's the highest award a cadet can achieve for leadership ability. We've had a cadet receive it for four years in a row."
Ward said last year's Veterans Parade hosted 400 people of which 100 were veterans.
"It's a way for veterans that served in the military to be recognized again," said Battalion S3 Cadet Capt. Joseph Williams. "The parade is a way to say thank you to the military veterans that served the United States."
A reception for veterans will follow the parade.