This month, we are pleased to highlight a terrific poem by a teenager named Elisabeth, a high school senior and a self-described “U.S. Army brat.” Her poem, “A Salute,” was written about her experiences marching in and leading her JROTC (Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps) company in her town’s annual Veterans Day Parade. “A Salute” reflects on the moment when she saw a veteran, a man who sacrificially served this nation, salute her, just a “regular” JROTC cadet.
Pictured above: The author marching in a U.S. parade as a JROTC leader.
Additional note from the author:
“I am blessed to be a part of my high school’s JROTC program and living in a town that hosts one of the largest Veterans’ Day parades in the nation. While 2024 was my third year marching in the parade, it was my first year as a company commander. Not only did I have to march correctly, but I also had to call the commands for my company (Delta) and do movements with a saber.
All morning, I was focused on doing my job perfectly - keeping my head held high, walking straight forward, maintaining the proper distance behind Charlie company, calling commands on the correct foot… I’m sure you get the point. Yet, at one particular moment, I let my eyes wander, and I noticed a veteran saluting me.
The parade was intended to be the other way around. I was there to salute him.
This simple moment has stuck with me for the past few months. The specific emotion I felt is difficult to identify, but that moment illustrated to me just how selfless this veteran’s sacrifice was. He went to war, was willing to make the ultimate sacrifice, likely lost people he loved, and now he’s honoring me- a mere 17-year-old JROTC cadet who is on the fence about serving.
I’m thankful for that man, who was willing to give everything for his nation, and still puts others before himself.”
*Note: The Democrats Abroad Global Veterans and Military Families (VMF) Caucus received permission from the author on January 8, 2026, to share this poem.
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