HARLINGEN — “I am the flag … of the United States of America,” declares a student in rehearsal.
“I stand for peace … honor … truth … and justice,” says another student, reciting lines from “My Name Is Old Glory,” in preparation for Friday’s Veterans Day ceremony at the Harlingen School District’s Performing Arts Conservatory.
The cadets of the Harlingen High School ROTC team have kicked into high gear to put together a grand ceremony to honor local veterans. The public is invited to attend the event with impressive acting, vocal performances by the choir, and music from the school band and the orchestra.
“I think it’s going to be better than anything,” said U.S. Army Master Sgt. Juan Gonzales, instructor.
“I’m teaching all my kids how to act,” he said. “I have two girls that are probably going to tear up everybody.”
Plans changed suddenly last week, and the cadets had to quickly mobilize their resources in a new direction. They found themselves stepping into characters to present passionate moments about military life and sacrifice.
They seemed to have pulled it off brilliantly in a short period of time. Monday morning Angeline Nicole Juarez, 16, sat in front of a computer as a new recruit in a combat zone speaking to her parents. There was great laughing and crying and fear and hope and the emotions were powerful and real. Somehow, these cadets had become convincing actors.
“There are a lot of sad scenes I have to play, and I have to put myself in that emotional state,” Angeline said.
The powerful presentation stands out from previous years in another way. This year’s skit focuses on a young woman joining the military, said Cadet Lt. Col. Alexa Serna, battalion commander.
“I hope everybody enjoys it because it’s actually very special,” said Alexa, 17. “In the past it’s centered around a male soldier, and this is actually going to be centered on a female soldier which is good for all our female soldiers here.”
The event begins at 1 p.m. and will continue through 2 p.m.
