The Desert Independent

10^th Annual JROTC Military Ball

By Robert JENSEN
The Desert Independent

February 26, 2012

BLYTHE, Calif – At promptly 1805 Hours (6:05 PM), the Receiving Line at the 10th Annual PVVHS JROTC Military Ball shook hands with Cadets and dates as they entered the Community Hall at the St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church this past Saturday evening. Military regalia and fine gowns were in abundance at the event organized by MSG Walker and MSG McBride once again.

The JROTC Parent Booster club aided with decorations and members of the Palo Verde Teacher’s Association volunteered their time as servers. Robert Figueroa and his son, C/1LT Dayniq Figueroa, gave a rousing version of the Star Spangled Banner after the Honor Guard posted the colors. Introductions of guests at the Head Table were made by the Master of Ceremonies, C/MAJ Tennefos and as well as presentation of this year’s Military Ball Queen, Ms. Dallas Hurt.

Toasts were made to the branches of the armed services prior to a sumptuous dinner of a choice of chicken or steak. Guest Speaker, Sgt. Angel Ramirez of the Blythe Police Department, gave a motivational address exhorting the assembled students to finish high school as well as college in order to succeed in life. At promptly 2100 Hours (9:00 PM), the Colors were taken down and the dance began as the adult guests were allowed a head start out the door. The mission for the rest of the evening was for the Cadets to “have fun.”

Photos at bottom of page...

Toast to Fallen Comrades

At a poignant moment at the past JROTC Military Ball, a collective toast was made in the direction of a singular round table with an unusual setting and an empty chair. While not mentioned by name, the thought of Sgt. Norman Taylor III, the only former JROTC Cadet to be lost in the war on terror, was on everyone’s minds. The wording of the toast is as follows:

The table is round – to show our everlasting concern for our fallen comrades.
The tablecloth is white – symbolizing the purity of their motives when answering the call of duty.
The single rose, displayed in a vase, reminds us of the life of each of our fallen comrades and the comrades who keep the faith.
The vase is tied with a red ribbon, symbol of our continued determination to remember our fallen comrades.
A slice of lemon on the bread plate is to remind us of the bitter fate of those who have sacrificed all.
A pinch of salt symbolizes the tears endured by the families to sustain those lost from our country.
The Holy Book represents the strength gained through faith to sustain those lost from our country.
The glass is inverted; they cannot toast us at the time.
The chair is empty because they are no longer with us.
Let us remember and never forget their sacrifice.
May they and their families ever be watched over and protected.

Ball Photos:

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