Fort Hamilton High School Army JROTC Volunteer At 2023 NYC Marathon

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Story and Photos by: Major (R) Sang B. Lee

To support runners in the 52nd edition of the annual NYC Marathon, the Fort Hamilton High School Army JROTC Tiger Battalion from 2nd Brigade participated in the volunteer effort on November 5th, 2023.

A total of 102 Cadets/students assisted in this grand event. Together, they succeeded in escorting all five waves of marathoners to their starting line on the upper and lower levels of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, in Staten Island, NY. Furthermore, the Battalion also made sure to provide enthusiastic camaraderie and cheer to all runners as they approached the 26.2-mile course throughout all five boroughs of New York City.

As an additional effort to showcase dedication towards the NYC Marathon, the Tiger Battalion’s Color Guard demonstrated their mastery of presenting the United States of America, New York State, New York City, Army JROTC, and Fort Hamilton High School JROTC colors on the stage overlooking the event announcer’s podium.

Over 50,000 contestants chose to take part in this marathon as runners and many of them took long journeys from around the world to stand in New York City and partake in the wonder that the city has to offer.

In many ways, this was a moment of international inspiration and proof that despite any issues that the world has to throw at society as a whole, there are times when we can come together and recognize that we are simply humans, united in our personal and collective struggles.

Despite experiencing difficulties such as physical fatigue and mental fatigue, the FHHS Tiger Battalion’s willpower made this marathon a worthwhile experience, one that brought the students together as a whole. This event gave Cadets the opportunity to show their support for each other, the exhilarated marathoners, their city, and their country alike.