Young men and women in sharp military uniforms marched through the heart of Bronzeville on Veterans Day, twirling batons, blowing trumpets, and beating on drums and cymbals in perfect line formation, led by the shouted commands of their school drill sergeants.

The marchers were cadets of the Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (JROTC) from the Chicago Public Schools, parading through the community as they held their school banners all the way from 43rd Street and King Drive.

They marched to the Victory Monument at 35th Street and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, marking the 84th annual Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony on November 11, 2010, a date that commemorates the end of World War I in 1918.

Marine Math & Science Academy, won first place for being the best marching band in this year's Veterans Day Parade on November 11, 2010. Photo by Mary C. Johns

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Editor’s Note: The following article was written by a youth reporter who is a graduate of the Urban Youth International Journalism Program.

A typical day at Chicago Military Academy in Bronzeville begins by waking up at 6 am, or 5 am if you have to take the train. When you get to school, you can rack up demerits, which are penalties, for not wearing black hats, scarves or gloves—and this is not a good thing.

If you can, eat breakfast in the morning, go to your locker and put away all your things. Afterwards, go down to formation where all the students meet up.
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