School Participation

The Dallas Independent School District (DISD) schools, and many others from surrounding suburban districts have a long history of participation in the Greater Dallas Veterans Day Parade. The major elements participating are JROTC units, school bands, and students participating in the annual art contest. General information about each of these areas of participation is presented in the subsequent paragraphs.

Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) participation:
There are JROTC units from all 23 DISD schools and numerous other units from neighboring school districts that play a major role in the parade every year. These units vary in size from about 25 to 40 cadets. Counting all the individual JROTC units, Color Guards and the Massing of the Colors there are over 1000 JROTC cadets Participating JROTC units are evaluated by judges, and trophies are presented to the winning organizations.

There is a Massing of the Colors Ceremony that takes place at City Hall just prior to the parade. This involves 150 cadets that carry, in mass formation, 100 US Flags and 50 State Flags. This Massing of the Colors may also include flags of Veterans organizations from throughout the Greater Dallas Area.

The Executive Director of the DISD JROTC Program is LTC Frederick J. Holland, 972-925-4858. The primary JROTC parade coordinator is Command Sergeant Major Lonnie Clark, 972-925-4863.

Band Participation:

High School Bands in the Dallas/Ft Worth Metroplex are invited and encouraged to participate in the Greater Dallas Veterans Day Parade. Applications can be submitted through this website. An early Parade Application is encouraged to minimize potential scheduling and transportation problems. Bands are sought for the color and music they add to the parade. They also assist by providing a cadence for the marching units. Bands are encouraged to use military music to assist the marching cadence for the parade. All participating bands are judged, with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners receiving trophies. The parade Band Coordinator is Mrs. Tracy Fisher, antraasa@gmail.com or 972-983-4843.

SUGGESTED LIST OF PATRIOTIC CENTERED ACTIVITIES

Elementary Schools: Here are ways younger children can prepare to participate in the commemoration of Veterans Day.

1. Color their own flags and use them during the morning Pledge of Allegiance.
2. Have a guest speaker (a parent or former or retired military person) talk about the importance of being a good patriotic citizen.
3. Use Flag Lapel pins to reward exceptional accomplishments.
4. Observe a “Moment of Silence” to respect and honor those who have given their lives to protect us and ensure our freedoms.

Middle/Junior High Schools: In addition to the above –

Hold school-wide patriotic assemblies with Veteran Speaker and Band Support.

1. Participate in community parades.
2. Have the school choir sing patriotic songs.
3. Invite essays on patriotic persons.
4. Have them identify the freedoms we enjoy.

High Schools

Have the JROTC unit and Band participate in parades.
Provide a veteran speaker at assemblies. (See above for resource).
Operate a Service Project of visiting the VA Hospital to volunteer as needed.