Ansbach Middle School – Ansbach Veterans Day Trip to France and Belgium

Writer & Photographer – Cdt/MSG Ethan Serna

On the first day of the 9th JROTC’s Veterans Day trip cadets visited the Somme American Cemetery in Bony, France. Spoken to by Steven Monroe, the superintendent, the cadets learned more about the Somme and the lives of those who sacrificed their lives in World War I. Cadets learned about the history of soldiers, and experiences of the families of departed soldiers. Cadet Symak remarked “I really enjoyed learning about the stories of the [fallen] soldiers.” Cadets Brendan Torres, Jazlyn Symak, and Minka Larson then laid a wreath at the grave of a fallen soldier. Cadets then proceeded to lay poppies at the graves of other soldiers at the cemetery.

On the second day of the trip the cadet visited Musée Somme 1916. The museum guide led the cadets through a 3 hour guided tour of surrounding monuments and cemeteries. After a quick break for lunch the cadets went on a guided tour of the trench museum (World War I & World War II), followed by a demonstration of weaponry used in the First World War. On the third day, the cadets visited the Sir John Monash Center and the surrounding cemetery. Throughout the tour cadets listened to more stories of soldiers, and gained insight on the nuances of cemeteries and the burial of the dead in wartime. Cadets explored the museum and learned about the daily life of soldiers and life after the war Cadet Richard explained, “The museum was very informative.” Cadets would later experience riding a World War I commissioned steam train.

On the final day of the trip the cadets marched in the Poppy Parade and attended the Last Post ceremony at Menin Gate, a monument in Ypres, Belgium. Cadets Richard and Duplessie laid wreaths at the monument. Cadet Duplessie spoke excitedly, “I’m really happy I got to participate in the ceremony.”