Miami Northwestern Senior High School – JROTC Hosts Dignified Memorial Day Ceremony Honoring Fallen Heroes

Writer – COL Marc A. Garcia, Senior Army Instructor 

Photographer – Cadet Belen Aguilar

On May 23, 2025, the Cadets of Miami Northwestern Senior High School (MNWSHS) proudly planned, organized, and executed a solemn and dignified Memorial Day remembrance ceremony, honoring the U.S. military service members who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Cadets took the opportunity to educate attendees about the true meaning of Memorial Day, emphasizing the distinction from Veterans Day. They explained that Memorial Day is a national day of remembrance dedicated to honoring and mourning the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Throughout the day, Cadets from across the Battalion participated in the ceremony, which was marked by reverence, respect, and discipline. The event was attended by Principal Pouca, the Vice Principal, two Assistant Principals, and two Miami-Dade County School Board Police Resource Officers, each of whom rotated during different class periods to share remarks and show their support.

Principal Pouca expressed heartfelt admiration for the Cadets’ dedication: “I was very impressed to see so many Cadets standing outside in the heat, paying their respects to our fallen Bulls—alumni of MNWSHS who served our country and are memorialized with this monument.”

One of the day’s highlights was the precision and professionalism of the six-Cadet Color Guard, composed of two Rifle Guards and the flags of the United States, the State of Florida, the Bulls Battalion, and Miami Northwestern Senior High School.

Newly appointed Battalion Commander, Cadet Lieutenant Colonel (C/LTC) Bethel, praised the leadership and initiative of the younger Cadets: “I am very proud of our lower LET Cadets who stepped up, especially since our upper LETs, particularly the seniors, are focused on Prom and Graduation.” He added, “We also remember what SFC Milton Muller taught us”—a tribute to the former Tomb Guard from the Old Guard at Arlington National Cemetery who helped shape the program’s JPA drill and ceremony standards.

Assistant Army Instructor SFC John “Brian” Oriol provided expert training for the ceremonial changing of the guard, a stirring tribute that captured the solemn spirit of military tradition and honor.

A beautiful floral wreath was donated by Alvin Roberts, USMC, a proud MNWSHS alumnus and Commander of the Vietnam Veterans of America, Inc. of South Florida. Mr. Roberts also played a key role in securing a generous donor to gift the MNWSHS JROTC program a complete set of Armed Forces flags.

This Memorial Day event not only honored the memory of the fallen but also highlighted the values of leadership, discipline, and patriotism that define the MNWSHS JROTC program. It was a powerful reminder of the importance of remembrance, service, and the legacy left by those who served.