Memorial Day weekend is the traditional start of the summer, the time when most Americans are enjoying their time off from work. The cadets of Michigan City High School (MCHS) Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (MCJROTC) spent their time honoring the men and women who have served our Nation and are now deceased. They did six different activities to emphasize the reason for Memorial Day- to remember all who have served in the military and who have now passed on, particularly those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in conflict with the enemy.
Cadets assisted one of the local media outlets as it did a special publication for Memorial Day. They placed flags on veterans’ graves at Greenwood and Swan Lake Cemeteries. On Memorial Day, MCHS MCJROTC provided a Color Guard and marching platoon for the Michigan City parade, and participated in the Memorial Day Ceremony at the Greenwood Cemetery, hosted by American Legion Post 37. Cadets also provided an honor guard for veteran motorcycle groups for their ceremony at Washington Park.
Major Tom McGrath, the Senior Marine Instructor, observed how dedicated the cadets are to preserving important American traditions. “ Our cadets realize that, regardless of what problems our country deals with internally, we must all come together to remember true heroes, those who committed themselves to preserving our way of life, even if it meant giving up their own lives.”
Master Sergeant Jeff Benak, the Marine Instructor, reinforced the commitment that cadets have to honoring America’s military. “Where most teenagers seem to want to emulate entertainers or athletes, our cadets know who the real heroes of America are. Some of them are buried right here in Michigan City.”
While the school year is winding down, cadets are gearing up for a busy summer. They will be participating in two camps. The first is June 8-13, at the St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy in Delafield, WI. This is a leadership camp, using adventure training to prepare cadets to be leaders in the program for next year and beyond. The second camp will be Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Camp at The Citadel (the Military College of South Carolina), Charleston, SC. This camp prepares cadets to participate in Cyber Patriot, a national computer security competition. These camps are conducted at no cost to Michigan City Area Schools or the cadets. They are funded by the Marine Corps with augmentation from local veteran groups like the local chapter of the Marine Corps League and the Guardian Riders. Additionally, cadets will be supporting local events like the Michigan City Summer Festival and the LaPorte County Grand Prix boat races. MCHS MCJROTC will provide a Color Guard and marching platoon for the LaPorte Independence Day parade as well as supporting Michigan City’s 4th of July ceremony. Cadets will also participate in voluntary drill team practices throughout the summer to prepare for next year’s military drill competitions.