The Michigan City High School (MCHS) Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (MCJROTC) visited the Nation’s capital from June 23-25. The cadets toured the National Museum of the Marine Corps, Arlington National Cemetery, the Lincoln, Korean, and Vietnam Memorials, and attended the Friday Evening Parade at the Marine Barracks. The cadets ate two of their meals at Bruce Hall at the Marine Corps Base , Quantico, VA. That mess hall is named after Michigan City Medal of Honor recipient Danny Bruce. The trip was conducted at no cost to the school or the cadets. It was funded by the U.S. Marine Corps, the MCHS MCJROTC Booster Club, and donations from the following veterans groups: Michiana Marines, American Legion Post 37, VFW 2536, DAV Chapter 23, The Wall Gang, and The Guardian Riders along with the Elks Lodge.
“This trip gave the cadets a greater appreciation of American History,” said Senior Marine Instructor Major Tom McGrath. “Touring these great sites brought home to them the sacrifices that so many have made to make and keep our country safe and prosperous. “
Master Sergeant Jeff Benak said that the trip was of great value. “For our kids to be able to see these historic sites that pay tribute to so many great men and women reinforces our program of instruction,” he said. “Our core values of honor, courage, and commitment really came to life for them.”
A highlight for many of the cadets was attending the Friday Evening Parade at the Marine Barracks. The parade features the Marine Corps Band (nicknamed “The President’s Own” since they play at all Presidential functions), the Marine Corps Drum and Bugle Corps, and the Barracks’ Ceremonial Battalion that includes the Silent Drill Platoon. Even the Marine Corps Mascot, an English Bull Dog named Chesty (after the most decorated Marine, Lieutenant General Lewis B. “Chesty” Puller) made an appearance.
Cadet Colin Catlin, who plans on enlisting in the Marine Corps, was thoroughly impressed by the performance. “I thought that our drill team was good, but these Marines were absolutely spectacular,” he said.
Cadet Ashley Baker, a member of the MCHS band, also plans on enlisting in the Marine Corps and be part of the Drum and Bugle Corps. “It was a great opportunity to see and hear these Marines play their instruments. It is a real motivator for me to become part of their unit.”
The cadets will continue to summer community service projects and drill team practices throughout the summer. They will honor the nations’ 240th birthday by marching in 3 parades- the Michigan City Kiddie Parade on July 1st, the Michigan City Summer Festival Parade on July 2nd, and the LaPorte Parade on the 4th of July.