MCHS JROTC Honors the U.S. Marine Corps

JROTC-Honors-Marines-2012-1The Michigan City High School Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (MCHS JROTC) conducted a military ball to honor the 237th birthday of the Unites States Marine Corps. The guest of honor was Michigan City area State Senator Jim Arnold. The ceremony included an honor guard armed with swords, a color guard for the playing of the national anthem, and a cake-cutting to symbolize the continuous tradition of the Marine Corps.

Although the specific occasion was the Marine Corps birthday, Major Tom McGrath, the Senior Marine Instructor at MCHS, emphasized that the JROTC honors all veterans. “We honor all who have served our nation, particularly those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the service of our country,” he said in opening remarks. A special setting was evident to honor all who gave their lives defending our nation.

Senator Arnold, a veteran of both the U.S. Air Force and the U. S. Army Reserve, continued McGrath’s theme, as he paid tribute to both the Marine Corps and those who wore the uniform of all U. S. Armed Forces. “We can never forget the dedication of U.S. Marines as we honor their 237th birthday, but also all who have put their lives on hold to serve their country,” he said. Senator Arnold went on to comment on the dedication of the MCHS cadets whom he sees participating in so many ceremonies in the LaPorte county area. “I see your dedication at so many events, like the Vietnam Moving Wall and the Marine PFC Danny Bruce Medal of Honor recipient ceremony in Westville,” he said. “I take great pride in telling my fellow legislators in Indianapolis about the vibrant JROTC program we have at Michigan City. Most of my peers can’t say that about schools in their districts.

As in the military, the JROTC develops leadership using a mentoring program, where senior cadets teach junior cadets in military fundamental, such as wearing the uniform properly, military drill and military courtesies. The cake-cutting portion of the ceremony, where the oldest and youngest cadets are given the first pieces of the birthday cake following the guest of honor, symbolizes the Marine dictum of “looking out for our own.”

The entire evening, from the meal to the ceremony to the dance, really brings the cadets together. They really feel part of something special. For some of these cadets, this is the first time in their lives they have felt like this,” said Master Sergeant Jeff Benak, the Marine Instructor at MCHS, in summarizing the evening.

The cadets are scheduled to participate in four different ceremonies honoring veterans around the Veterans Day holiday. Following that, they will be hosting a military skills competition at Elston Middle School on Nov 17th, where 10 schools from Indiana and Illinois will compete in marksmanship, academics, physical fitness and military drill. The competition, sponsored by the local Marine Corps League Chapter, will be held from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm. Admission is free.

Photos:

  • The MCHS MCJROTC Color Guard and Cake Detail wait to march on to the birthday ceremony.
  • State Senator Jim Arnold delivers remarks
  • Cadet First Lieutenant Paul Tobalt cuts the birthday cake as the sword detail, oldest and youngest cadet, and cake escorts look on.
  • The Color Guard steps off to present the Colors for the National Anthem.