On Friday, Nov. 10, students and faculty were treated to a special presentation by the MCJROTC program at Morning Assembly, celebrating both the 242^nd birthday of the United States Marine Corps and Veterans Day.

The MCJROTC band played cheerful music as students gathered into their homeroom rows. After the bell, LtCol Tim Huete ’76 began the assembly by explaining the birthday history of the Marine Corps, created on Nov. 10, 1775 by act of the Continental Congress as they met at Tun Tavern in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He also explained that Veterans Day was known before 1954 as Armistice Day, since it commemorated the Armistice, signed 99 years ago, that ended World War I.  After 1954, it has come to be a day to honor all veterans who served in our country’s military and fought in our nation’s wars.

LtCol Huete then took a moment to recognize those members of the Jesuit community who have served, and continue to serve, in our nations armed forces:

Prefect of Discipline, Mr. Lary Abshire, Master Sergeant, U. S. Marine Corps (retired)

Science Teacher, Ms. Pam Catalano, Staff Sergeant, Louisiana Air National Guard

President of Jesuit High School, Fr. Christopher Fronk, Commander, United States Naval Reserve, Chaplain Corps

Senior Marine Instructor LtCol. Tim Huete, U. S. Marine Corps (retired)

Maintenance Staff Personnel, Ernest Pierre, Staff Sergeant, U. S. Army and Army National Guard; and Carl Smith, Petty Officer 3^rd Class, U. S. Navy

Marine Instructor, Master Gunnery Sergeant J. R. Piseno, U. S. Marine Corps (retired)

Social Studies Teacher, Fr. Paul Shaughnessy, Commander, United States Navy, retired, Chaplain Corps

Head football coach, Mr. Mark Songy, Sergeant, U. S. Army

For the prayer LtCol Huete led the assembly in praying the “Prayer of the Soldier of Christ,” composed by Christopher Wilson ’14.  Chris is currently a senior at the U. S Military Academy in West Point. He read the prayer from the student prayer book, which he compared to indispensable items carried in the field by Marines. This “good piece of gear,” he said is “full of useful information, words, thoughts, and prayers that can carry you through the toughest of times.”

The MCJROTC band then played the national anthem as the other cadets presented the colors. The announcements and results were then read by cadets Will Shropshire and Gabe Dupuy.