Veteran’s Day is an annual holiday celebrated with parades all around the United States. Las Vegas holds the largest parade ceremony west of the Mississippi River to honor and show respect to those who have served in the U.S. armed forces.
Veteran’s Day parade 2022 was held on Friday, Nov 11 from 10-12 pm and it began with a flyover from the Metropolitan Police Department. The route began on 4th and Gass St and ended on 4th & Stewart Avenue which was followed by the many Veteran-honoring entries. Groups like Veteran Service Organizations, POWs, JROTC programs, and clubs participated in this parade.
Like many other high schools, Centennial’s Navy Junior ROTC program was one to participate in the parade as well. The battalion was organized into five sections. The order started with the color guard team and battalion staff, and following close behind were the 50 state flags detail, alpha and bravo company cadets, then the drill teams, unarmed and armed. As the cadets marched, the drill teams performed a few routines that included various movements like facing movements, saluting, and spinning rifles.
Centennial High School is the only school in the nation whose JROTC has obtained all of the 50 state flags and the battalion presents them every year at the parade.
As for other organizations, there were many other performances from JROTC programs like Cimmaron and their Air Force squadron or Bonanza and their Army unit. Boy and Girl Scouts were there to assist in the honoring ceremony and many more.
Overall, Veteran’s Day is a holiday deserving of celebration and Las Vegas can say they did it.