TOPEKA (KSNT) – As high school JROTC programs across the country commemorate 25 years since the 9/11 attacks, one local battalion is also marking its own anniversary.
“Topeka West JROTC honors those heroes today,” said James Hall, senior Army instructor for Topeka West JROTC.
In the somber morning hours of the 25th anniversary for the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, Topeka West hosted a flag-raising ceremony and moment of silence. For many of the students, staff and families in attendance, it was a day of remembrance for those who lost their lives on that day.
The Charger JROTC Battalion also honored one of their own. Specialist Kyle G. Thomas graduated with the class of 1998. He was killed action while serving in Iraq.
“He joined the military, specifically the Army, in direct response to the terrorist attacks,” Hall said. “He was a couple of years graduated. He was off doing other things as a dance school, but he knew he wanted to be a part of the solution. And so he joined the military in response.”
(Photo By: Savannah Meier)
Thomas isn’t the only connection Topeka West has to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. In the fall of 2001, the school introduced its JROTC program and first group of cadets. The battalion was holding its first uniform inspection day as things began to unfold in New York City.
That Sept. 11 inspection turned into a lesson that would change their lives.
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One senior officer of the Charger Battalion said he joined the program with a deep and profound appreciation for the military and its history. Tremel Franklin hopes to serve following graduation. He said people coming together for 9/11 ceremonies like this one demonstrates the lasting impact of the tragedy, not just here, but everywhere.
“It really just shows that everybody cares about this because, you know, everybody, even around the world, cares whether they celebrate it, whether they mourn it,” Franklin said. “You know, that just shows you everybody cares a little bit about you, about the occasion, about the day.”
Following military tradition, the Charger Battalion mourned the fallen with a Taps bugle call, while veterans and civilians saluted or placed their hands over their hearts to honor those we lost 25 years ago.
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