Schools' ROTC cadets honor nation's war dead

Air Force Jr. ROTC members representing Jackson Memorial High School and Jackson Liberty High School conduct a flag folding ceremony during a Memorial Day service. At right, veteran Larry St. Laurent addresses the gathering at Jackson Memorial High School. JACKSON — Air Force Jr. ROTC students from Jackson Memorial High School and Jackson Liberty High School took time last week to remember American military personnel who have died while serving the nation, as well as those individuals who are prisoners of war or are missing in action.

Speaking at a May 22 event at Jackson Memorial High School just days before the United States marked Memorial Day, Jr. ROTC supervisor Major Mike Macagnone Jr. told those assembled, "There are men and women who are not much older than those in this room, whose lives are in harm's way.

"Regardless of how you feel about the war, it is not our job to validate the sacrifices that are being made, but it is our responsibility to validate our lives to see that we are living our lives in a way that justifies the sacrifices that were made," he said.

Macagnone said it is how people live their lives every day that counts.

"As an adult, do you go out to vote, and do you live up to your civic responsibilities?" he asked those who were gathered for the ceremony. "Are you a productive citizen in your community?"

He said students should appreciate the sacrifices being made on their behalf by those who serve.

"Do you stand for the pledge every morning without being told? Do you take your hat off during ball games for the national anthem?" he asked.

These are little things that validate the sacrifices and thank veterans, he said.

Macagnone said Thanksgiving is a holiday when people sit with their family and reflect upon what they have, but he said Memorial Day should be a holiday when people sit around with their family and reflect upon those who made the ultimate sacrifice so that people can have what they have.

During the ceremony, Jr. ROTC students marched with precision as they presented the colors.

The Jackson Memorial High School choir sang "The Star-Spangled Banner," "God Bless the USA" and a medley of patriotic songs saluting each of the military branches, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, Air Force and Navy.

The choir concluded its performance with "Battle Hymn of the Republic," written by Julia Ward Howe.

A table was set in a tribute to service members who are prisoners of war and to those who are missing in action. The table, set with a white tablecloth, goblets and place settings, along with empty chairs, represented military personnel who have not returned home.

The piercing sound of bagpipes playing "Amazing Grace" could be heard in the background.

"They are unable to be with us and so we remember them," said Cadet Breanna Caruso. "Remember."

In a video tribute, students and guests viewed slides of troops in Iraq and those who were able to come home and see their loved ones once again after a tour of duty.

A Tomb of the Unknown Soldier tribute was held, followed by a flag folding ceremony conducted by an ROTC honor guard.

The ceremony concluded with the sound of taps.

Veteran Larry St. Laurent, who was a guest speaker, said the ROTC ceremony was strictly military and sometimes better than military.

In attendance at the ceremony were representatives from the American Legion Post 504, the AMVETS Post 2 and members of the Disabled American Veterans Post 77

Also in attendance were Jackson Mayor Michael Reina, Township Council President Michael Kafton, Councilman Scott Martin, Councilwoman Bobbie Rivere, Jackson Board of Education President Barbara Fiero, Vice President Sharon Dey and Assistant Superintendent of Schools Leanne Meinders.