JROTC cadets prepare for Memorial Day ceremonies
Cadets with the Kellogg High School Marine Corps JROTC program assisted members of the Shoshone County VFW in a cleanup at Nine Mile Cemetery near Wallace. The cleanup was part of their efforts to get the cemetery ready for visitors on Memorial Day. Pictured from the left are cadets Pax Hyatt, Roman Roth, Alex Cassidy, VFW Post Commander Chris Marker, and Spencer Strange.
Courtesy photo
KELLOGG – Students in the Marine Corps JROTC Program at Kellogg High School have been busy over the past few days as they prepare for Memorial Day.
In the days and weeks leading up to the holiday, the students have been working alongside members of the Silver Valley VFW Post 1675 to make sure that area cemeteries and memorials are ready for visitors. Once Memorial Day is here, the cadets will travel throughout Shoshone County, stopping at each cemetery and honoring the interred veterans with a 21-gun salute.
Major Craig Petersen, the Senior Marine Instructor at KHS, said that each year he is blown away by the willingness of his students to keep the traditions of Memorial Day going.
“The JROTC program promotes leadership and citizenship,” Petersen said. “Understanding these types of National holidays falls into becoming a better citizen. It's truly inspiring to me that a large number of students are giving up their long weekend to honor fallen service members through flag placing or the 21-gun salute.”
Leadership and citizenship are core tenants throughout the United State military, but specifically in the Marine Corps. As Petersen said, understanding why Memorial Day exists and what the day truly represents is just as important for his students as participating in the ceremonies that take place on the day.
“Memorial Day is a reminder of the brave men and women who served our country and gave their lives for our freedom,” Petersen said. “It's not just a day off; it's a time to think about why we remember these heroes. For veterans, it's a chance to honor those who are no longer here. Use this day to show how grateful we are for their bravery, and as a promise that we'll always remember their courage and sacrifice. While many celebrate the day outdoors alongside family and friends, others mourn the loss of their brothers and sisters in arms, paying tribute to their memory in any way they can.”
The solemnness of the day is important to remember, but Maj. Petersen would also like to help people who may feel awkward during any exchanges they may have during the weekend.
“Rather than ‘Happy Memorial Day,’ say something like ‘Have a meaningful Memorial Day,” Petersen said. “It’s also not appropriate to thank a service member for their service on this day, as it is a day for remembering and honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Remember to speak from the heart and with sincerity, acknowledging the significance of the day and the sacrifices made by those we honor.”
Friday, the cadets will place approximately 700 flags at the various cemeteries throughout Shoshone County to prepare for the ceremonies on Monday. Each ceremony will include a 21-gun salute as well as the playing of Taps.
The schedule for the Memorial Day cemetery ceremonies will be as follows:
9 a.m., Gene Day Cemetery, Madison St., Osburn.
9:30 a.m., Silverton of Cascadia Nursing Home, 405 Seventh St., Silverton.
10 a.m., Mullan Cemetery, 10406 Mill Road, Mullan.
10:30 a.m., Nine Mile Cemetery 413 Cedar St., Wallace.
11:30 a.m., Murray Cemetery, Kings Pass Road, Wallace.
1 p.m., Hunt/Bisaro Cemetery, 347 Aspen Way, Kingston.
1:30 p.m., Pinehurst Cemetery, 183 Serenity Loop, Pinehurst.
2 p.m., Greenwood Cemetery, 1007 McKinley Ave. W, Kellogg.