MCHS hosted a ceremony in honor of Chris Marion, an alumni, friend, and hero to many.
Leslie Calderon/MCHS Journalism Class
September 16, 2022
ANDERSON — McDonald County High School hosts a ceremony for Chris Marion, an MCHS alumni and fallen soldier. The ceremony was hosted on Wednesday, October 26 at 1:45 p.m. Participating in the ceremony was McDonald County High School JROTC, band, and color guard, as well as the Patriot Riders, American Legion Post 392, and the Marion family.
The ceremony's start was peaceful and quiet. Students were respectful. The sun was shining bright upon the new Chris Marion Highway.
The ceremony began with a moment of silence, remembering Chris Marion and how he is the hero to many. Students removed hats and all JROTC students saluted to the flag.
“Take about 30 seconds in your mind to come up with a definition of what you think a hero might be, I think society might be really cheap in that word,” said McDonald County High School principal Angie Brewer.
Chris Marion’s family was praying in that moment of silence. A flag was revealed which said “Christopher Lee Marion Memorial Highway."
“It's important to remember any fallen soldier. It's something that needs to be done and we should remember and honor all of them,” said JROTC instructor and Captain, Eric Corcoran.
Corcoran said it's difficult for people to comprehend the loss and grief of a fallen soldier.
“It's hard for people to understand that we wouldn't have the freedoms in our nation without people like him,” Corcoran said.
The Chris Marion ceremony is annual, hosted every October.
“It was held every year by the JROTC and this year we decided to bring it to the high school,” said Corcoran.
A gift was presented to Chris Marion’s family. Three gunshots filled the air and four motorcycles were released onto the new Chris Marion Highway. While they were released, a baby from the Chris Marion family was cooing and babbling. He may not understand what was going on, but one day he will understand that Chris Marion is a hero.
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