MCAS IWAKUNI, Japan (May 22, 2019) -- Service members and M.C. Perry High School students from Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Iwakuni attended a Memorial Day ceremony, May 20, 2019.
The ceremony was held by the high school’s JROTC program to commemorate fallen service members. U.S. Marines from Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 242 and Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 152 attended the ceremony to honor their fellow Marines.
“Hopefully this ceremony brought it home for the students,” said retired U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Jason Perdew, the JROTC officer in charge with the high school. “Memorial Day is meant to remember those who have given their lives as the ultimate sacrifice.”
The ceremony featured speeches given by Perdew, U.S. Navy Lt. Andrew Forester, a chaplain with Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 171, a performance of taps by one of the students and a memorial wall made by JROTC.
Keyda Feotner, a JROTC cadet, said it’s very emotional remembering those who have given their lives for American freedom.
Perdew asked everyone to walk up to the podium and write down names of fallen service members they know so they will be added to the wall. One by one, students and service members all stood up as the final statements were given.
MCAS Iwakuni continues the tradition of commemorating fallen service members. As the students observed the ceremony they learned to remember and honor all who have fallen while serving in the United States Armed Forces.
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