Poly Students Salute Veterans at Long Beach Parade

It was Veterans Day on Wednesday November 11 but Poly celebrated it three days earlier on the north side of Long Beach across from Jordan High School. Poly’s JROTC, the marching band, and the Poly-Ettes participated in the 17th annual Veterans Parade which is hosted by the community of Long Beach.
Veteran’s Day is a United States federal public holiday. It is observed annually on November 11, and honors military veterans, people who served in the United States Armed Forces. The JROTC teams which participated in the Veterans Parade were Honor Guard, Color Guard, Dark Knights and Unarmed.
The crowd applauded as the Dark Knights flipped their rifles in the air without dropping them.
“The Unarmed Team beats were very good and I could move to them,” said Elizabeth Escatel.
There were about 70 cadets that marched as they were led by Cadet Captain Jason Thatch in their blue uniforms. The two SAI, (senior army instructors) Master Sargent Denmark and new SAI Sargent Major Andrea Wright walked with JROTC as they marched in the parade.
Sergeant Major Wright is a new veteran recently come to Poly, he served 17 years in the military. His time was mostly spent over seas in Germany and 18 months in Saudi Arabia.
There were different booths in the park representing each branch in the armed forces. Each had flyers and small gifts which represented and explained what each branch was and how signing up is possible.
The parade began at ten but Poly’s JROTC arrived an hour early. Followed by JROTC was Poly’s marching band and Poly-Ettes.
Poly’s marching band was behind JROTC and played at the Veterans Parade as the Poly-Ettes twirled their flags.
“The best part of the parade was when the crowd yelled out “go ROTC” and yelled out my name,” said Cadet Sergeant Jairo Martinez.
The parade was overall a supportive and inspiring day. It ended with a big thank you from all the community that came that morning and a grand applause to celebrate those who served the United States.