Then deciding my classes for high school I knew I would be participating in the JROTC program. One of the first things I was drawn to was the uniform, which symbolizes honor, duty, loyalty, responsibility and high expectations. But only when I started to wear that uniform did I begin to understand the ROTC’s rich history, the many ways it builds character and community in the present, and it 's exciting goals for the future. The ROTC mission, established one hundred years ago, is “to motivate young people to become better citizens.” The official beginning was in 1916, when the National Defense Act was signed. The roots of the ROTC program go back to 1819, when Captain Alden Partridge started the American Literary, Scientific and Military Academy …show more content…
Examples of such former ROTC leaders include Samuel Alito Jr, Supreme Court Justice of the United States; Sam Walton, founder of Wal-mart. Floyd Spence who became part of the United States House of representative. Guion S. Bluford, who fought in Vietnam and became the first African American astronaut in space. And those who participate in JROTC have the ability to become newly, well trained officers within the military.
JROTC will remain vitally important well into the future. When war no longer threatens there will still be a need for leaders to, as Kennedy said, “explore the stars, conquer the deserts, eradicate disease, tap the ocean depths and encourage the arts and commerce.” The future will require leaders to fight different types of struggles, against global problems like poverty, hunger, oppression, and climate change. JROTC continues to mold young men and women to not only be aware of these problems, but capable and courageous enough to come up with and apply solutions.
With what I have learned through JROTC, I am now part of a legacy of leadership. I am proud to wear the uniform, and I intend to honor it by helping change the world for the