Cleveland JROTC Cadets Lay Wreaths On Graves Of Veterans

Cadets Among 200 Volunteers For Wreaths Across America Event

CLEVELAND – Cleveland High School JROTC cadets visited the Raleigh National Cemetery to lay wreaths on the graves of veterans on Saturday, Dec. 15.

The cadets were among 200 volunteers who paused during the busy holiday season to honor and remember the veterans sacrifices and their commitment to protecting the nation’s freedom.

The event was done in conjunction with Wreaths Across America and served as a major service learning project for the cadets.

The cadets worked to have the wreaths sponsored and helped plan the ceremony that took place at the cemetery.

The event started in the Cleveland High parking lot where the wreaths were loaded onto a tractor trailer and led by the Revenant Warriors and Patriot Guard, as well as the Johnston and Wake County Sheriff departments to the cemetery.

The cadets provided the Color Guard and the ceremonial formations. Jacob Tolar, Cleveland High band student, played Taps while Olivia Harvell, Cleveland High chorus student, sang “The Star-Spangled Banner.” The invocation was given by Cadet Christian LaRue.

Cadet Quinn Kotorman (right) escorts Mr. Dan Hopping (left) as he places the Revolutionary War Wreath on a grave site. The guest speaker, Col. Brent Orr, looks on.

Cadet Mariana Puente-Herrera (left) and Cadet Kristina Harris (right) salute the grave of a veteran after placing the wreath.

Cleveland High JROTC cadets (from left) Deondre Honomichl, Tanner Sponer, Johnquell Bell and Christopher Stahl stand in position to begin the ceremony.