The Michigan City High School (MCHS) Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) conducted a military ball on November 3, 2017 at the Pine Grove Inn in LaPorte to honor the 242nd birthday of the United States Marine Corps, which actually occurs on November 10th. The cadets executed the traditional Marine Corps Birthday ceremony which included a Sword Detail, Color Guard, and the marching on of the Marine Corps Birthday Cake. The first piece of cake is given to the oldest cadet, the second piece to the youngest cadet. This signifies the passing on of knowledge and experience. The Commandant of the Marine Corps’ message was read. General Robert Neller reminded everyone of the illustrious history of the Marine Corps and the responsibility that everyone who wears the Marine Corps uniform must uphold its traditions.
“Although we are not a preparation for the military program, we use many military traditions to teach leadership,” said Senior Marine Instructor Major Tom McGrath. “The Marine Corps Birthday reminds us that we must uphold the Marine Corps’ core values of honor, courage and commitment.” Master Sergeant Jeff Benak, the Marine Instructor, stated that the celebration is a way for the cadets to learn the importance of tradition and still have fun. “This is a great opportunity for us to invoke patriotism and standing for the ideals of our nation in addition to having the cadets enjoy fellowship in a relaxed atmosphere.”
The cadets will be busy throughout November participating in numerous ceremonies to honor our veterans. These include events at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Purdue University Northwest-Westville, the Marine Corps League-Michigan City, as well as MCHS’s Veterans Day Ceremony at 12:30 pm on November 10th in the school gym. State Representative and U.S. Army veteran Scott Pelath is the guest speaker. The public is invited. All veterans will be honored during the ceremony while the Armed Forces medley is played.
The MCJROTC will be hosting a military skills competition on November 18th. 11 schools representing the Army, Navy and Marine Corps from Ft. Wayne, Northwest Indiana, and the Chicago metropolitan area will compete in military drill, physical fitness, marksmanship, and academics. The competition begins at 8:30 am and will finish approximately 3:00 pm. The public is invited. Admission is free.