By Munthaha Mumin and Pangley Yang Staff Writers
Detroit International Academy JROTC cadets visited Elmwood Cemetery on Nov. 11 to honor those who fought our country in celebration of Veterans Day. Every year DIA cadets participate in this tribute.
Sophomore Mubasshira Mumin said, “We take our time to thank our veterans because of them we can enjoy the freedom we have today. Behind each of their families is a sacrifice for their loved ones who served their country.”
First Sgt. Thomas Roulhac, JROTC instructor, says every Veterans Day he visits the gravesite of his father-in-law Wood Thomas. He is buried in Elmwood Cemetery. Mr. Thomas served in the military for 18 years.
Roulhac joined the military on Aug. 10, 1997 when he was 18 years old and he served in the military for 26 years. He joined the military because he needed a job. Some of his missions took him to location like Germany and Korea.
For the past 20 years, Detroit Public Schools have gone to Elwood and about 32 cadets from DIA attended this year’s ceremony.
Senior and cadet Jessica Hogan said: “All [of] the cadets walked around the cemetery and put flowers on the veteran’s graves during the ceremony to commemorate our fellow and fallen veterans. We stand at parade raise while we have moment of silence, then we have prayer. All of the Detroit Public Schools [represented] stand at present arms while a special school selects cadets to put roses on each veteran’s grave. There are aircrafts that fly over to represent the veterans as well. Then we go to the parade rest as they fire the cannons. It is something to experience for yourself.”
Senior Shefa Begum, attended the ceremony for the first time this year.
“I was excited at first then when I went there. I was sad because there were so many graves where you couldn’t see the other side of the cemetery,” she said. “It was a good experience, one I will never forget.”
