Patriotism was on parade, Saturday morning, when The Chantilly Academy’s Air Force Junior ROTC marched at the Forest Glen senior living community in Centreville. It was in celebration of Veterans Day, Nov. 11, and the cadets also raised the American flag and remembered U.S. MIAs and the fallen while a bugler played taps.

"It’s truly an honor for us to be here to honor veterans across the nation," said senior AFJROTC instructor Tim Lambert. "Freedom isn’t free — it comes at a great price. And if we don’t keep it free, there are those who’d take it from us." But, he told the residents, "We couldn’t have been here today if not for the actions of your own families [in previous wars]."

Residents lined the circle where the cadets marched around the flagpole and watched from their windows and balconies above. Among them were a group of friends including Kathleen Cotter, wearing her special, flag-adorned red hat just for the occasion.

"My husband was in WWII and I like to support them," she said. "I think what they’re doing is good. They’re a bunch of nice, young men and women — but I hate the war."

Sophie Kanoza, 88, was a WWII mess sergeant in the Army. "I loved the Army; I flirted with all the men," she said. "I think it’s wonderful that the cadets are here; I enjoy seeing them."

For Jean Rhodes, it was also a way to remember her family. "My parents and two brother-in-laws are buried in Arlington and I was married to a Marine," she said. "During WWII, my sister was in the WACS and my brother was in the Coast Guard, and my father was a WWI Marine." Regarding the Cadets’ performance, she said, "I just love it — I support the military 100 percent and feel bad for how people treat them sometimes."

After the ceremony, Lambert said it was a privilege to come to Forest Glen to recognize veterans and their families — "Those who could be here and those who couldn’t — for the sacrifices they made at home and overseas to defend our freedom. We owe them a debt of gratitude that cannot be repaid. I’m also proud of the cadets who gave up their time to be here to honor the veterans."

Among those mingling with the cadets afterward was Clinton Phillips, 81. "During WWII I was a merchant seaman," he said. "Then I got out, got married and later got drafted into the Army for the Korean War. But I was lucky — I never had to go to war. I spent my whole time in the 521st MPs at Fort Belvoir."

He and Margaret, his wife of 62 years, have lived at Forest Glen four years and, said Clinton, "I appreciate the cadets and look forward to their performance each year; I wouldn’t miss it. I like to see them raising the flag and marching."

"I like the whole ceremony — it’s very inspiring," added Margaret. "It makes you think about what it means to be free, and I’m proud to be an American."