Cadets On Parade

HARLINGEN - Parents from across the world came to Marine Military Academy this weekend to watch their sons in the school's new cadet recognition parade.

The parade on Saturday honored the school's 82 new members of the Corps of Cadets, who come from 26 states across the country and

Mexico, China, Taiwan, Korea, Russia, Ireland, Italy, Poland, Australia and the United Kingdom, MMA officials said.

There are approximately 300 members in MMA's Corps of Cadets.

The parade was initially scheduled for last week, but postponed because of Hurricane Ike, which halted air travel plans for many parents.

Held on the parade grounds in front of the Iwo Jima Memorial, close to 100 family members watched as cadets gathered in traditional combat formation lines.

School officials said Marines have traditionally used these lines to evaluate the unit and its stability. MMA's cadet line evaluation was done by MMA President retired Brig. Gen. Stephen A. Cheney, USMC.

As the cadets marched by Cheney, parents and family members pointed at the young men and took photographs.

"As a cadet at the Marine Military Academy, I will always be faithful to my parents, my God, and to the academy," the cadets recited.

"I will wear my uniform proudly."

After the 15-minute presentation of the newest cadets, family members were united with cadets.