The event took place November 3rd, 2018. The day of the football game Raines Vs. Ribault one of the biggest games in Duval and the most important for football in the city of Jacksonville. It was important for people of sports but also, an important day for William, M Raines JROTC Color Guard. The most important part of every football game (besides the touchdowns) is the beginning and for Raines, it starts with the  National Anthem.  The Color Guard not only led the battalion but instead the entire parade leading the way from start to finish and presenting the US and School flag as well. By representing a school with Viking pride the parade was marched by energetic and proud cadets along with the school's principal Vincent Hall.

 

The Color Guard presented the flag (colors) and the flag represents freedom, unity and the bold sacrifice many soldiers have made. Even though it was a time of rivalry between both schools Raines and Ribault was able to unify both communities. By marchingthrough the city together sharing one another's pride for the football game and the school they represented. People from a local neighborhood at their best putting aside oppositions to make a community whole and being the center of positive leadership. 

                                                               Veterans Day!

 

Veterans Day started out with a weather issue as the rain began to pour down heavy while cadets from all over the county came to march and show gratitude to our veterans. By showing appreciation to the ones who served in the Armed Forces Wiliam, M, Raines marched with the pride of a roaring Viking. We marched two-miles with our smooth and energetic condenses,

and The Viking Battalion persevered through the rain and presented the US and the state flag showing and letting the crowd know we weren't far behind echoing of our battalions voice. 

 

As the crowd in front and behind applaud and cheered us on the rest of the way the cadets showed elevated pride for our school, community and our country. The Army Core of Cadets had arrived at the school ( William M, Raines) Monday, November 12th, 2018 before 7:00 am and each cadet was dressed in  Class A uniforms with Berets in hand.  As the buses began to pick up students from the school, each cadet became more eager to march for the battalion and the ones who did before them, by the time we were placed downtown we were ready to march and ready to move.  While we marched sung cadences our voices echoed through the high buildings, tunnels and high ways. The US flag and state flag was presented and the color guard was in front of the battalion leading the way and paving a path for other schools that followed behind.

 

 

While each cadet walked, sung, presented flags and persevered through hard obstacles the goal was met and the parades were both successful.  

The achievement means a lot to battalion and to the cadets that marched in the veterans day parade and the Raines Vs. Ribault parade. All cadets learned that obstacles can be met and even conflicts can be set aside for a bigger purpose. The cadets learn newfound leadership skills in every event and it teaches them to better themselves and the ones around them whether it's setting aside differences or even persevering through a little rain.