Murrieta Mesa Honors U.S. Heroes for Memorial Day

Students and staff at took a time-out from end-of-the-year activities Thursday to remember America's fallen heroes.

The school's Patriot and Military Club continued a tradition started last year by once again holding a wreath ceremony. The idea for the ceremony was taken from one conducted at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, at Arlington Cemetery in Washington, D.C., according to club adviser Maria Regueiro.

Led by Marine Capt. Mike Ivey, members of the school's Junior ROTC presented the colors.

Principal Mary Walters was presented the wreath while student Austin Ross played "Taps."

Walters placed the wreath by a Wall of Heroes listing the names of 145 fallen service men and women. The names were submitted by students, district staff members and community members. Each card listed the name of the service member, the Military branch they served in, and who they were honored by, Regueiro said.

Many students stopped what they were doing to observe the ceremony.

“When they talked about those who died it made an impression. It was cool seeing all the American flags lined up like that and the ROTC Color Guard—that’s always cool," said sophomore Calleb Hall.

Others used their talents to pay their respects, such as Niko Ayala, who sang the National Anthem. Nearby, American Sign Language students stood and signed the song.

The ceremony was among many ways the Military club strives to create awareness on campus and generate support for those who serve in the U.S. Armed Forces, Regueiro said.

"The club has collected used cell phones for soldiers, as well as toiletries throughout the school year. The organization hosts lunch socials for students with Military parents and makes all-school announcements on patriotic holidays," she said.

Regueiro noted that in September 2011, in honor of 9/11, the club planted a tree with a memorial brick engraved with the anniversary date.

The wreath from Thursday's ceremony was donated by Murrieta Mesa High School Class of 2013. It was later presented to members of American Foreign Legion Post 852, which will present the wreath on behalf of Murrieta Mesa during a at the local Laurel Cemetery, Regueiro said.