Kellogg's 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 working alongside members of the Silver Valley VFW Post 1675 to make sure cemeteries and memorials are ready for visitors on Memorial Day.
Cadets will travel throughout Shoshone County, stopping at each cemetery and honoring the interred veterans with a 21-gun salute.
Maj. Craig Petersen, 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."
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.
“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."
The solemnness of the day is important to remember, but 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 about 700 flags at cemeteries throughout Shoshone County.
The schedule for the Memorial Day cemetery ceremonies will be as follows:
9 a.m., Gene Day Cemetery, Madison Street, 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., Kellogg.