Veterans Day Parade
by MARINE MILITARY ACADEMY
In 1954, President Dwight Eisenhower signed a bill proclaiming November 11th as Armistice Day, now known as Veterans Day. The Marine Military Academy (MMA) Corps of Cadets traditionally hold a parade on this day to express gratitude to all veterans – past, present and future - who sacrifice so much for our Nation. This year’s Veterans Day Parade will be held on Thursday, November 11th, at 4 p.m. on the Academy’s Parade Grounds overlooking the original full-scale IWO JIMA Monument. During MMA Corps of Cadets Veterans Day Parade Pass In Review, all veterans in attendance are asked to step out onto the parade deck along with Parade Reviewing Officer MMA Superintendent Colonel R. Glenn Hill, U.S. Marine Corps, (Ret). The general public is invited to this FREE event. Bleacher seating is available and lawn chairs are welcome. Immediately following the Parade, Boy Scout Troop 142 will conduct a flag retirement ceremony in which all veterans are invited to participate. The ceremony will be held on the back side of the IWO JIMA Monument, the side nearest the gravesite of Harlon Block, one of the Marines depicted on the monument. Troop 142 will take one U.S. flag - worn, tattered and soiled - cut out the blue field with the stars, then cut the flag up into smaller pieces so that each participating veteran will have a piece to lay on a prepared fire. A narrator will explain each step and its importance. As each veteran places his piece upon the fire, they will have the opportunity to pause for a moment to reflect upon what the flag means to them. Also on Veterans Day, local photographer Janine Campbell of Janine Marie Photography will be taking photographs of veterans in the Academy’s Cadet Activities Center in conjunction with her patriotic “Pride of America” exhibit, scheduled to be unveiled on Monday, 30 May 2011 (Memorial Day). All veterans from all the armed services are invited to participate. Participation is FREE and no reservations are required. Veterans are asked to either wear their service uniform or bring it with them, along with any tokens and medals they may have received in service to our Country. Thursday, November 11th, Janine will be taking the individual photographs beginning at 9 a.m. through 1 p.m. and following the Parade and Flag Retirement Ceremony from 5 p.m. through 8 p.m. Contact Janine for further information: Ph (956) 467-4113; e-mail janine@janinemariephotography.com. MMA is a one-of-a-kind college preparatory boarding and U.S. Marine Corps military-styled academy for young men 13-17 years of age, with one year optional postgraduate study. The school was founded in 1963 by William A. Gary, rancher and retired U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) Reserve Captain, who believed USMC concepts of leadership and discipline are adaptable to prep school education. In 1965, he and a group of retired Marines opened the school in Harlingen, TX on a 142-acre site of a former Air Force navigation school. The goals for personal excellence extend through academics, athletics/physical activities, moral and other personal endeavors. Learn more online at www.mma-tx.org. NEW!!! Now you can follow MMA on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Marine-Military-Academy-Harlingen-TX/148675468488457; YouTube http://www.youtube.com/MMAHarlingen; and Twitter http://twitter.com/MMAHarlingen. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Debbie Wieland, Public Affairs Officer: (956) 421-9235; wieland@mma-tx.org . # # # Best regards, Debbie Wieland Public Affairs Officer & Grant Writer MARINE MILITARY ACADEMY...developing disciplined, morally strong, college ready young men who are prepared for responsible leadership. 320 Iwo Jima Boulevard Harlingen, TX 78550 wieland@mma-tx.org www.mma-tx.org |
