There is nothing like a visit in the fall to Marion Military Institute to recharge your batteries, or more appropriately speaking, to rekindle your patriotism and confidence in the future.

With the world crumbling around us on a daily basis, including ISIS taking over the Middle East, Russia aggressively moving into Crimea and Ukraine, our leadership role in the world dwindling, the national debt strangling the economy and threatening our very existence, not to mention the Ebola outbreak reaching our shores, there is enough to cause consternation and serious concern.

However, one thing remains constant and that is our young men and women preparing themselves for service in our armed forces. The obligation and duty to serve and defend has always been answered by outstanding young men and women as found on the campus of Marion Military Institute. It is as factual today as it has been all throughout our history.

This past weekend Marion Military Institute welcomed parents to campus for the 2014 edition of parents weekend.

The campus was standing tall for a Saturday Morning Inspection (SMI) for the visiting parents, guests and alumni. A full schedule of events was on tap for Friday, Oct. 10 and Saturday, Oct. 11. Parents were invited into classrooms, dining hall, and athletic facilities along with a tour of historic homes in Marion.

On Oct. 11, the Marion Military Institute Alumni Brigade sponsored “A Picnic on the Lawn.” Scores of alumni, parents and friends of MMI gathered for a sampling of life on campus as well as a helping of Southern hospitality.

Demonstrations of rappelling and hand-to-hand combat by the Swamp Fox, and precision drills by the White Knights preceded events in the Chapel. MMI President David J. Mollahan, Colonel, USMC gave the opening remarks and lead in to the capital improvement project planned for the QM Student Center. Collaborating with MMI on the project is Zoës Kitchen represented by MMI alumnus, Tyre Stuckey.

Following Colonel Mollahan was a cadet life presentation and a musical presentation by the MMI Band and Choir.

Words are inadequate to describe the wonderful sights and sound emanating from this group of talented cadet musicians led by Colonel Deborra Street.

A shout out is appropriate for their performance in addition to the wonderful job Colonel Street does with these young musicians who only spend two years under her direction.

The picnic catered by Zoës Kitchen was attractively displayed on the green in front of the QM Student Center building.

The afternoon activities featured the Mothers’ Review parade by the Corp of Cadets on the Givhan Parade Field.

The days’ events culminated with the “Lowering of the Colors” on the MMI Quadrangle.

If you haven’t visited this campus lately, Thursday will be another opportunity to do so. The Alabama Military Hall of Honor will induct two more native son heroes to the museum.

The two selected for this year are Colonel Burnie R. Quick, USA (Ret) of Columbus, Georgia and the late John W. Brock, USN, killed in action during WWII.

Induction ceremonies begin at 10 A.M. with a luncheon to follow in the William R. Ireland Athletic Center and afterwards the MMI Corps of Cadets parade on the Walter C. Givhan Parade Field.

The public is invited to attend, and you may do so by calling 334-683-2346 or visit www.marionmilitary.edu to register as a guest.