Garfield High School: Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Parade

Garfield High School Army JROTC Cadets march in their local Martin Luther King Day Parade. (Photo by Raymond Eason, Army Instructor)

Written by Terry Buckhannon, Army Instructor

On Jan. 17, the Garfield High School Army JROTC Mighty Bulldog Battalion participated in the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade in Gardena, California. Each year since 2000, MLK Day has been recognized as a federal holiday and commemorated on the third Monday of the year.
As we reflect on the legacy of Dr. King, we remember him as a leader and Civil Rights advocate.

“I’m amazed the amount of people diversity from all backgrounds that came out to celebrate,” said Cadet Eric Lopez.

MLK has been honored for protesting against racial discrimination in federal and state laws, advocating for racial equality through non-violence resistance, and most notably his march on Washington D.C and his “I have a Dream” Speech.
Dr. King was instrumental in the pivotal landmark decision of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

“It’s not just a holiday, or day off but a celebration of the struggle for justice and equality in this country,” said Cadet Heidy Burgos.

Members of the Mighty Bulldog Battalion were deeply honored to accept and participate in the monumental event to commemorate MLK on behalf of Garfield High School School representing East Los Angeles.