Beech Tree News Network

In what has become an annual Veteran’s Day tradition, members of the BCHS Naval Jr ROTC saluted veterans in a unique way on Friday.

Beginning at 6:15 a.m. cadets ran laps around the courthouse carrying the American Flag. The cadets alternated doing laps to keep the flag running around the courthouse until 10:15 on Friday night. Cadets had to deal with sun and heat throughout the day, then battled cold temperatures after the sun went down.

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Nationally the Flag runs were inspired by a group of Marines who ran the 100-mile length of the Island of Iwo Jima in 2005 to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima, and the iconic images of Marines raising the US Flag at the top of the highest of the island’s volcanic peaks, Mount Suribachi.

The 16-hour run around the Courthouse was calculated to cover 100-miles, in recognition of the Battle of Iwo Jima. 

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The cadets from Butler County High School Jr. ROTC also participated in several Veteran’s Day observances over the weekend and on Tuesday.

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Chief Jim Melton didn’t run any laps, but oversaw the efforts of his cadets throughout the day. “This is our way to salute the brave men and women who served and protected this country, some of which didn’t come back,” said the Chief.

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