School Participation

History of partnership between Dallas ISD and suburban schools includes participation by the Greiner Band, Signing Choir from Samuell H.S., DISD, plus suburban bands and JROTC Units and Middle/Junior H.S. visual arts contests.

The following divides student participation as follows: JROTC, bands and visual arts on Veterans Day plus a shopping list of recommendations and helpful links.

Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) participation:

21 JROTC units (schools) of DISD plus a number of suburban units will have a major role in the Veterans Day Parade. These are marching units of 25 cadets each. DISD will have up to 900 cadets in the parade and massing of the colors.

Each unit will be preceded by a 4 member Color Guard.

150 cadets will carry, in mass formation, 200 US Flags and 50 State Flags. This Massing of the Colors will also include flags of many veterans organizations from throughout the Greater Dallas Area. All Marching units will be in competition.

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Band Participation:

All High School bands in the Dallas Metroplex are invited and encouraged to participate in the Veterans Day Parade. Click here to get the application. Early application is encouraged so that potential scheduling and transportation problems are minimized. Bands are sought for their color and music to the parade, they are needed also to provide a cadence for the marching units. Bands are encouraged to use military music to assist marching cadence for the parade.

All bands are in competition, with 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners receiving trophies.

Visual Arts Contest:

All DISD students in grades 1 through 12 are eligible to compete. The theme for the contest is “Heroes All.” All entries will be displayed in November at City Hall, the VA Hospital and the Frontiers of Flight Museum.

Cash awards will be given to 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners in each grade division: 1-3, 4-6, 7-8 and 9-12. All participants will receive Appreciation Certificates.

Criteria for judging will be based on Patriotic Theme, Originality, Creativity and Aesthetic Appeal.

Rules for contest entry, deadlines and other details will be published by the DISD and included on this web site.

Shopping List of Patriotic Centered Activities and Links:

Elementary Schools: Here are ways younger children can prepare to participate in the commemoration of Veterans Day.
1. Color their own flags and use them during the morning Pledge of Allegiance.
2. Have a guest speaker (a parent or former or retired military person) talk about the importance of being a good patriotic citizen.
3. Use Flag Lapel pins to reward exceptional accomplishments.
4. Observe a “Moment of Silence” to respect and honor those who have given their lives to protect us and ensure our freedoms.

Middle/Junior High Schools: In addition to the above –

Hold school-wide patriotic assemblies with band music, veteran speaker and band marching on the playground.

1. Participate in community parades.
2. Have the school choir sing patriotic songs.
3. Invite essays on patriotic persons.
4. Have them identify the freedoms we enjoy.

High Schools

Have the JROTC unit and Band participate in parades.
Provide a veteran speaker at assemblies. (See above for resource).
Operate a Service Project of visiting the VA Hospital to volunteer as needed.