The Departments of Aerospace Studies and Military Science at Brigham Young University will present the annual University Parade and Review ceremony Thursday, Nov. 14, at noon in Brigham Square. The event is part of Patriot's Week.
The schedule for Patriot's Week includes a 24-hour flag vigil, a blood drive Monday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Wells ROTC Building, a movie and military displays throughout campus.
Organizers also hope to present an American and a BYU flag that flew in Afghanistan to the university. Cadets will also face each other in basketball, soccer and football games, followed by a formal military dinner on Friday.
"Patriot's Week gives the cadets a chance to recognize great leaders and veterans in our community for the service they have rendered to their nation," says Captain Brett Swigert, assistant professor of aerospace studies.
International Vice President Sandra Rogers will review the Air Force and Army cadets and present the Leadership Excellence/Patriot's Award to Colonel Gail S. Halvorsen, USAF (ret.), better known as the "Candy Bomber."
Halvorsen's nickname came from his service during the Berlin Airlift in 1948, when he dropped candy-laden parachutes to children in the Soviet-blockaded city.
After his " Chocolate Pilot" experience, Halvorsen was heavily involved in the development of manned spacecraft, including the Manned Orbital Laboratory Project. The recipient of many military awards, he logged 8,000 flying hours during his 31-year Air Force career.
Halvorsen served as BYU's assistant dean of Student Life from 1976 to 1986, after which he fulfilled two missions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with his wife, Lorraine. He has also served in a variety of other church and community capacities.
"This is a week to remember those who have served in their nation's defense and have shown great leadership in their daily lives," says Cadet Nathan Bigelow, a junior from Portland, Oregon majoring in political science. "The cadets look forward to this week's activities each year."
All events during the week are free and the public is welcome to attend all except the cadet dinner. Please call Captain Brett Swigert at (801) 422-7717 for more information and a complete event schedule.
Writer: Craig Kartchner
