NJROTC honors fallen veterans in national event

By Manuel Villaverde

Photos by Manuel Villaverde

On December 14, NJROTC participated in the Wreaths Across America at Pacific View Memorial Park in Corona del Mar. This national event is to remember those who sacrificed their lives to preserve and protect the American people. NJROTC was there to be the color guard and present the wreaths to the fallen veterans.

The American Legion Riders, a motorcycle group of veterans that includes social studies teacher Mr. Steve Plumley, escorted the NJROTC to the memorial, riding on their motorcycles alongside the school bus. Bill Carr, the captain of the group, said “We are all really proud to be a part of it so we’re really happy that this worked out and we could be involved in it now.” Carr also mentioned it was their first year attending and he intends to make it an annual event.

Mr. Steven Plumley (left) and the American Legion Riders escorted the NJROTC bus.

Ricardo Villa, an NJROTC member and sophomore, said that the purpose of this event was, “To come out and show respect for those who have died and served for our country.” This was his motivation for attending. Alonzo Lopez, NJROTC member and senior had a similar belief.  He came, “To pay our respects for fallen veterans,” and he said that the memorial, “shows how high schools have matured in the last few years.”

1st Lt. David Wells, U.S. Army, spoke in honor of the fallen.

Students from High schools across America participated in this event at exactly 9 a.m. Before presenting the wreaths, war veterans shared their thoughts and feeling about war. They spoke out how war can affect you by leaving your loved ones behind and the difficulty of dealing with the trauma of combat that can leave you scarred for life. After the speech NJROTC placed wreaths on the gravestones of war veterans and their families. The wreaths were placed on veteran graves to honor and respect those who have fallen and to show gratitude for their sacrifice.

We as the people of America owe our lives to those who served and this event is to “Remember, Honor, and Teach” for those veterans.

Saddleback NJROTC celebreates Veterans Day at MacArthur

By Manuel Villaverde

World War II veteran Cornell Iliescu visited MacArthur Intermediate School for a Veteran’s Day memorial speech on November 8 to show students the significance of this holiday.

Iliescu said “I always give all my time of life dedicated to the ones that inspired me to be a free man and this country…”  Iliescu restores authentic military vehicles and founded the Noble Cause Foundation Tribute To Fallen Heroes. He later on escorts Douglas MacArthur in his authentic World War II military jeep to give his speech at the podium.

MacArthur English and history teacher, Mr. Ralph Hulett, a war veteran, gave a speech to the students that related the actions of General Douglas MacArthur as a general to the actions students should be taking, such as being organized and planning ahead.

Hulett said, “Douglas MacArthur wasn’t perfect; he made mistakes. We’re all human; we all make mistakes. Hopefully we learn from our mistakes and correct them.” He related this to the students at MacArthur.  Although they make mistakes, they use them to improve and better themselves for the future.

After Hulett’s speech, an actor dressed as Douglas MacArthur rode in Iliescu’s WW2 military jeep and was saluted by Iliescu. He then gave a speech to the students that consisted of his background of how MacArthur became the United States General of the Army.

David Casper, principal of MacArthur Middle School said, “Douglas MacArthur believed in spirit, pride, and achievement, so that is what our school is founded on.”

Photos by Manuel Villaverde