Mariner High hosts ‘Salute to Veterans’
In its annual salute to veterans, more than 600 Mariner High School JROTC cadets gathered Friday morning to pay tribute to the brave men and women of our country.
Mariner’s “Salute to Service” veterans appreciation ceremony saw the cadets honor military veterans and leaders of veteran organizations such as the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Military Officers Association of America, Lee Health Military Support Program and the Blue Star Mothers from all over Lee County. Dozens of military veterans who are family members of Mariner students also attended the ceremony.
“I consider this one of the most important events our staff and student body participate in each year,” said Mariner Principal Dr. Tom Michel. “The service and sacrifice of our military veterans deserves our attention and respect.”
Joining the cadets in honoring our nation’s heroes were 500-plus students and faculty members.
Mariner student Jonathan Semple said, “It’s hard to imagine living such a difficult and dangerous lifestyle, all just to protect our freedom.”
Semple, a former JROTC cadet and current band leader, performed “Taps” as a tribute to fallen service members.
JROTC Instructor First Sgt. (retired) Steve Jaramillo said, “It’s important our young people not only appreciate our veterans, but preserve our American traditions. We teach our students about values such as selfless service, honor, personal courage and respect in our classrooms every day. However, applying those values during an event like (the Salute to Service) is where the real learning takes place.”
Mariner’s “Silver Magic” band played service songs — tunes to pay tribute to each of the branches of the armed forces.
Coincidentally, Mariner’s new band director, Jimmy Ortega, is a Mariner alumni and the former JROTC commander. Ortega reminded his music students how special he feels to be part of Mariner.
“What an honor to come back to the place where my music career started and to be able to give back, not only to my students, but the men and women who served, right here from our community,” Ortega said.
The day would not have been possible without the dedicated planning and execution from the Mariner JROTC cadets. Students created special programs, escorted local veterans, gave remarks and led formations.