January 21st, 2018 The William M. Raines Viking battalion went to the downtown area to pay tribute to the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  The Viking battalion had just passed their program accreditation, and going back to the school to do their duty as cadets made them proud. As cadets showed up in their Class A uniforms with berets in hand and were provided with breakfast. As cadets were getting the supplies and materials for their uniform and gloves.

 

Gloves for this event were needed, the temperature outside was 43 degrees, and each cadet was cold. However, through the weather each cadet made it to the downtown area. The cadets arrived at the school at 7:00 a.m. and were provided breakfast and gloves for the weather and marched in the contribution to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  The march was important to the Viking Battalion, because it’s the history that cadets observe every day.Dr. King's contribution affected the rights we have and live with every day. In marching for freedom his legacy and his fight for peace, helped African American children with their dreams of bigger ambitions that can change the world. The event was so big that the William M. Raines back to back state championship football team came out to support along with the school's band.

 

The march was short but the energy was impactful; Especially through young people for us to pay recognition to the sacrifices that were made before our time. Many people from the community came to watch and cheer as the students marched with dignity. The story was covered by Fox News and posted on their website, and the march lasted less than two hours. The things we can further work on for the Viking battalion is teamwork, patience, and readiness.

 

The best thing that came from marching is that each cadet showed something the country is in need of, that is unity. The unity that the school showed athletes, band members, and cadets from other school-like organizations that come from the same school from different programs that unity is very important. How to work together on such short notice people can come together like a puzzle to shed light on a picture with a powerful meaning. Thank You Dr. Martin Luther King, for sharing wisdom for the rest of our young leader to follow.