On August 18, the ORHS NJROTC Wildcat Company, being one of only two JROTC units in East Tennessee, boarded a bus at 6:30 AM and headed to Pigeon Forge. Once there, they assembled to participate in the Welcome Home Veterans parade being held to remember and thank Veterans of the Vietnam War. This spectacle was a significant step for both Oak Ridge’s NJROTC program and for Oak Ridge as a whole.
Although it has been 45 years since the last Vietnam veterans returned home from service, there is still an internal and external turmoil present clouding the war and those involved. Upon arrival home, there was present a post-war disillusionment; communities spat upon their returning soldiers as opposed to welcoming them home, due to their involvement in the war. Already dealing with the burdens of what had happened in Vietnam; these veterans were presented with an America that furthered this weight on the mind.
Despite the forecast of rain and the humidity lingering in the air, a sizeable group of cadets gathered to show support for our veterans. Of them were Cadet Chief Petty Officer Lillie Mullins and Cadet Seaman Elizabeth O’Toole.
Both cadets shared an interest corresponding to the well-being of the veterans who returned from Vietnam: “marching in the parade gave me the chance to show my support in honoring the Vietnam veterans,” Elizabeth stated, “I feel like it made them feel special and appreciated.” A story told by Mickey Vickery of the Veterans of Foreign Wars to our cadets comes to mind here. He told of how he had told a veteran, “Welcome home,” and how a statement as simple as that brought tears to a man’s eyes.
When Lillie was asked of the meaning behind the march, she reflected, “I think the parade [made] the veterans feel like they didn’t sacrifice themselves for no reason,” as one of many feelings she expressed.
Wildcat Company’s involvement in the parade is a display that our community has not forgotten the aforementioned disrespect afforded upon our veterans in 1973. Programs like NJROTC shine light and spread awareness on these historical events, and in turn ensure our next generations will continue to learn and grow from the ideals that make our nation great.
Chief Nicholls, the Naval Science Instructor at Oak Ridge High School, believes this was “an awesome opportunity for our cadets to sacrifice a few hours on Saturday to honor the brave men and women, who served so valiantly during the Vietnam War.” He parts with a hopeful message regarding the aspirations of our NJROTC program. “Veterans of all wars and conflicts,” he says, “rest assured, the cadets from Oak Ridge High School NJROTC support you and eagerly await the privilege to live up to the high standards you have set for all Americans to follow.”
For more information or additional insight into our activities, please visit our website at ORHSNJROTC.org.
Story by Cadet Petty Officer 2nd Class Bradley Heun
