The sharp commands echo across the practice field as two dozen cadets snap into formation. Junior Fariz Khan adjusts his beret one more time, checking that the crease in his uniform pants falls exactly right. Around him, other members of the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) run through their steps again, feet hitting the ground in near-perfect unison.

“Left, left, left right left,” Sergeant Jorge Martinez commands, watching as his students practice the precision march they’ll perform in just weeks. With flags ready to wave and cadets preparing to march, JROTC is gearing up for the upcoming annual Veteran’s Day Parade.

For the 147 students in JROTC, the Veterans Day Parade is more than just a march down San Fernando Valley streets. It’s a chance for teenagers to physically demonstrate respect for the vets that came before them, connecting generations through the same discipline and commitment that defines military service.

The JROTC program has marched in this parade for years. This year’s event takes place on Nov. 11, starting on San Fernando Mission Blvd. and Laurel Canyon in Mission Hills and ending at Ritchie Valens Park.

For Sergeant Martinez, the JROTC adviser, the parade holds deep personal meaning.

“I feel honored because they’re representing and thinking of the veterans that served before us,” he said. “It feels great. For me, it’s an honor to be a part of this parade.”

As a veteran himself, Sergeant Martinez has marched in the parade for over a decade.

“It’s always been amazing. It’s heartfelt, especially with me being a veteran,” he said. “There’s been times where I look at other veterans and I’m more focused on them and realize, this is for me as well.”

With 147 students currently enrolled in the JROTC program, Sergeant Martinez is confident this year’s participation will be strong.

The preparation is extensive. Sergeant Martinez pointed to this year’s Homecoming parade as an example.

“Since Homecoming was very early, it took us almost every day from the day school resumed and we had everybody in the program involved,” he said. “It took us about three weeks to execute it well and to get ready to march.”

JROTC began practice for the Veterans Day Parade at the end of September and will continue until the day of the parade, according to Sergeant Martinez.

The preparation schedule is detailed.

“We have practices after school for all teams like unarmed, armed, Sabers who all have certain days they practice on,” he said. “It’s a lot of preparation, and not only that, but we are also preparing for other upcoming events.”

As the parade date approaches, preparation becomes even more extensive.

“We need to make sure that all the uniforms are good to go, measure the headgear, get all the special teams’ gear and the equipment for color guard,” he said. “We are also getting the field trip paperwork ready early.”

For Sergeant Martinez, the parade serves a larger purpose.

“It’s letting the community and society know that this is the reason why we have freedom, because of everyone who participated in the past wars and fought for this country,” Sergeant Martinez said.

Khan has a different vantage point. As a three-year member of JROTC and part of the special Sabers team, he’s experienced the parade from the cadet’s perspective since his freshman year.“It was really nice seeing our practice pay off,” Khan said. “Overall it was a great and fun experience every time.”

For Khan the most meaningful part happens long before parade day.

“The best part for me would be the prep because you get to meet people who are new to the program and join our teams,” Khan said. “You also get to teach them and make closer relationships with them, which is overall the most fulfilling experience.”

When the parade day arrives, these combined efforts culminate in an impressive display.

“The thing I liked most about participating in the parade would definitely be the JROTC march,” Khan said. “It’s what we practice for and it’s really fun marching with everybody.” 

Back on the practice field, the cadets are called to attention one more time. They’ll run through the formation again tomorrow, and the day after that, perfecting each step before the big day arrives.

For these students and Sergeant Martinez, the hard work and repetition isn’t just about getting the march right. It’s about getting the tribute right.