As the massive crowd dispersed from the National Mall following Barack Obama’s first words as the 44th president of the United States, the sounds of trumpets and vision of crisp white uniforms just beyond the gates caught my attention.
While there was a peaceful chaos as people clamored for the exits, these young people were across the street marching with intricate precision –oblivious to anything other than their one last chance to rehearse their love offering for this historic inauguration.
After being put in contact with USMC MSgt. (Ret.) Isiah McHellen for a feature on the group, I immediately thought of the Roosevelt High School Marine Corps JROTC Color Guard and Drill Team while peeking through the fence. I wondered if I would get to see them in action.
Unfortunately, my plans were foiled as I was swept up in a wave of momentum from the crowd. The next morning I learned that my silent prayer for them to do well had been answered and that their involvement in the inauguration festivities had forever changed them.
“I thought it was extremely eye-opening for them, and I am very proud of each and every one of them and the effort that they put into it,” said McHellen, the group’s commander and senior leadership instructor.
“To experience something that this country had never seen before and to take part in that first-hand is an experience that they never thought they would have.”
At first, McHellen didn’t think so either. It was his wife Dorothy who urged him to submit the application for the inauguration. Nearly 1,500 groups applied, and the unit was among the fewer than 90 that were selected.
When they got the big news, they were a 12-member unit and needed to add eight new cadets to round out the team – with only six weeks to master their routine.
“That first practice was not very good,” McHellen said. “I know some of them wondered if we would be ready, but I would not allow them to even think that way.”
Three hours a day, seven days a week – that was the practice regimen of the 10-12th graders who made up the unit. They even came in on their Christmas break to rehearse.
Before they arrived in D.C., McHellen could see their hard work and dedication had paid off in a renewed sense of self-worth.
“One student said before we left, ‘We are representing all of those inner-city kids that America has given up on,’” McHellen said. “‘We’re going to be there to show the world that we too can be a part of something great and represent well for the world, the U.S., our state and our city.’”
Once they arrived, that’s exactly what they did.
“The were aligned perfectly and they covered down beautifully,” said Squadleader LaChana Jackson, a 16-year-old high-school junior who serves as 2nd lieutenant of the unit. “They were wonderful.”
For Ernest Thompson, cadet gunnery sergeant and senior at Roosevelt High School, their march was a chance for him to finally show his dedication to the “Campaign for Change.”
“It’s so great because with me being 17, I didn’t have a chance to vote for Barack Obama,” Thompson said. “But by doing this, I felt like I was a part of history and a part of this historic moment.”
Thompson was thrilled with his opportunity to make a personal connection with the great man.
“I got to look him in his eye, that’s all I wanted,” Thompson said.
McHellen will never forget his chance to witness his students’ tribute to the first black commander-in-chief.
“When they walked past to salute the president, I could see many of them when the salute took place,” McHellen said. “As they stood tall and held their heads high and shoulders back, it was heartwarming. Outside of watching the birth of my children, it was the most moving experience of my life.”
While he enjoyed watching his students bear the ultimate sign of honor and respect to the president, the gratitude he received from them in return was most rewarding.
“Those ‘thank yous’ came from a place deep within them that I had never seen, and it touched me,” McHellen said.
“And I’m glad to have shared that experience with these kids on that day from St. Louis Public School system. It showed that it doesn’t matter where you come from, it is your vision that takes you to your destination. This will demonstrate to them that nothing is impossible if you are willing to work for it, which is symbolic of the very man that we saluted on that day.”
