Contributed photos
The James Hillhouse High School Army JROTC cadets were very busy over Veterans Day Weekend. Instructors Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) John Hinrichs and Sergeant First Class (Retired) Lisa Rodriguez, both combat veterans, incorporated information on Veterans Day into their curriculum leading up to the events.
On Friday, Nov. 8 at the Westville Cemetery, cadets placed flags on graves of veterans dating all the way back to the U.S. Civil War.
One cadet said she did not even realize that many veterans were buried so close to school.
There are over 100 veterans buried in a section of the cemetery with headstones dress-right-dress in an orderly fashion similar to veteran cemeteries throughout the country.
On Saturday, Nov. 9 over 100 cadets arrived at school early to participate in the annual Milford Veterans Day Parade.
They were surrounded by a crowd of hundreds. The supporters ranged from citizens showing their support to veterans that served as far back as World War II.
Everyone watching the parade was exhilarated to see the young cadets presenting the colors and singing cadences. Onlookers saluted as our national colors were displayed.
Monday, Nov. 11, the City of New Haven Veterans Day Ceremony was held at 11 a.m. to honor the end of hostilities of World War I at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918.
Four of our cadets took part in a color guard to honor our Veterans.
We were accompanied by various people from the community including New Haven Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion, current service members, and New Haven Mayor-elect Justin Elicker.
Norman Bender, a Vietnam veteran and alumnus of James Hillhouse High School and Yale University, was the featured speaker at the ceremony. Upon completion of the indoor ceremony, wreaths were placed at the World War I memorial at the Green.
GO HOUSE!!!! The JROTC continues to be the heart and soul of Hillhouse! The students have historically been among the most civic-minded youth in the city. BIG SHOUT-OUT to Sargent Rodriguez and Lieutenant Hinrichs for developing self-confidence, resiliency and leadership in our students! Your service to New Haven and this country are greatly appreciated and will never be forgotten. We salute you! Hoorah!!!!!