LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — Valley High School’s JROTC cadets spent days preparing for an annual ceremony honoring the victims and heroes of the September 11, 2001, attacks.
Cadets rehearse ceremony details
Cadets practiced the ceremony a day in advance, working through each step of the formation and movements.
“We were practicing for the nine-eleven ceremony that we do every year here at Valley High School, to honor the victims and heroes of the September eleventh, two thousand one terrorist attacks,” said Major Darren Glenn.
The school says Army JROTC is a character and leadership program, not a recruiting tool, teaching citizenship, responsibility and discipline through ceremonies like this one.
Ceremony includes wreath laying, flag salute
During the ceremony, Principal Kim Perry Carter and Battalion Commander Cadet Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Lane laid a wreath in honor of those lost on September 11.
Cadets raised flags, presented the wreath and offered a formal salute to the victims, first responders and families connected to that day.
Cadet Lane addressed those gathered during the ceremony.
“Grief is harsh. It is not only a harsh term, but a very hard emotion to deal with. We are all gathered here in remembrance of those lost… twenty-five years ago, in the September eleventh attacks. Over two thousand nine hundred people lost their lives that day. We stand in remembrance of not only the brave men and women who went into the buildings to save people, but also the average person… the office worker… anyone and everyone who was lost,” Lane said.
Cadets say remembrance is a responsibility
Most of the students were born years after the attacks. They say it remains their responsibility to remember.
Cadets said they plan to hold the ceremony every September 11 so new cadets learn the history and the responsibility that comes with their uniform.
“On behalf of the Valley Viking battalion, thank you all for joining us today and paying your respects. This concludes the ceremony,” a cadet said.
Cadets closed the event by reciting the JROTC creed: “I am an Army Junior ROTC cadet. I will always conduct myself to bring credit to my family, country, school, and the corps of cadets. I am loyal and patriotic. I am the future of the United States of America… May God grant me the strength to always live by this creed. Hooah!”
Cadets say they plan to keep the ceremony going so future generations will not forget.
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