TAYLOR HIGH SCHOOL JROTC celebrate with church goers, elderly groups

What do the chicken dance and flag presentations have in common? Taylor High School JROTC cadets used both during Veterans Day events to bring pride, hope and joy to hundreds of people.

Two groups of cadets presented the nation’s flag at church events in Detroit and Taylor. The congregations cheered and applauded in appreciation after the cadets performed. One church member said. “It is so nice to see young people showing patriotism.”

On November 12, 18 cadets attended a dance party for the residents of the Atria Kinghaven assisted living facility in Riverview. The residents range in age from 68 to 101 years old. Most of the men and several of the women residents served in the military during World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam War.

After the cadet color guard presented our nation’s flag, the cadets visited the elderly residents at their tables so each group could learn about the other. The cadets learned that most of the men were scared when they joined the military during wartime, but each of them joined because they believed it is the duty of citizens to serve their country.

One common theme was that no matter what each service member did while in uniform or how hard things were at times, they were all proud of having been in the military. Many told stories about their experiences in the military.

When the live band started, cadets and the residents danced to Waltz, swing and polka music. Some of the residents had not danced in years.

The highlight came when someone requested the “Chicken Dance,” which many learned while serving in Germany during and after World War II. Cadet Kristin Long was a hit with the residents as she danced with great enthusiasm and style.

The residents all appreciated that the cadets took time to come and meet with them, and quite a few shed tears. The cadets also gained from the experience.

“You can learn so much from older people” was a comment voiced by many cadets. Cadet Madeline Churches expressed that “any feelings of awkwardness about visiting elderly strangers disappeared as soon as they smiled at us.” Cadet Cody Welch said that “They were all so appreciative of us visiting and talking with them.” Cadet Jordan Messer had such a rewarding time that he recommended, “We should come back in December and sing Christmas carols to them.”