Schools

Mount Miguel JROTC Performs Memorial Day Ceremony

This weekend the Grossmont NJROTC Ceremonial Color Guard will present the colors during ceremonies held onboard the USS Midway.

Submitted by the Grossmont Union High School District

The Mount Miguel High School JROTC Memorial Day Ceremony was held on Wednesday, May 23, and paid tribute to the men and women who have fought and died to protect our freedom as well as those who are presently serving our country.

The annual program began with Battalion Deputy Commander Cadet Major Mariz Timog providing a brief history and understanding of the significance of this important day. Throughout the years, Memorial Day has been celebrated on different days and in various ways. It typically occurs on the last Monday of May and is celebrated to honor all of the men and women who served in our nation’s Armed Forces and courageously gave their lives for our country.

The program included performances by the Matador Marching Band under the direction of teacher Ray Webb, and also included the playing of Reveille, followed by the National Anthem as the flag was raised.

Originally, Memorial Day was called “Decoration Day,” because it was traditionally marked by parades, memorial speeches, ceremonies, and the decoration of graves with flowers and flags. In honor of this tradition, Cadet Edgardo Blazado served as Honor Bearer, placing an American Flag, a helmet, and a pair of boots at the base of the flag pole. He then slowly saluted the flag as a symbol of respect and honor to those who have served and sacrificed their lives for America’s freedom.

The ceremony closed as the flag was lowered as To the Colors and Taps were played.

Grossmont Superintendent Ralf Swenson remarked, “I was very proud and pleased to witness this display of honor exhibited by our Mount Miguel JROTC and band students on this day.”

In further JROTC news, the Grossmont High School NJROTC cadets will spend their Memorial Day Holiday weekend recognizing and remembering those who have died serving our great country. The Grossmont NJROTC Ceremonial Color Guard will present the colors during ceremonies held onboard the USS Midway on Saturday May 25, 2013.  

On Memorial Day, May 27, 2013, 40 cadets from the Grossmont NJROTC program will also participate in ceremonies at the Point Loma Fort Rosecrans cemetery.  Cadets will provide escort services to dignitaries and guests, as well as present the colors and participate in the 21 gun salute and TAPS ceremony.  Recognizing those who have died serving our country is an honor and a privilege for the cadets from Grossmont High School.

The Grossmont Union High School District extends heartfelt appreciation to its dedicated JROTC instructors who daily inspire our students and motivate them to become better citizens: Major John Bachmann, First Sergeant Brian Bennett, First Sergeant Anthony Logan, Captain Clark Owsley, and Chief Petty Officer Flor Buncab.


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