Under a clear blue sky and gentle morning breeze, the Warren County High School’s JROTC Honor Guard held a moving and solemn 9/11 remembrance Monday. The cadets honored the memory of the horrific day in 2001 with a special battalion ceremony. In addition, they raised the flag in front of the high school to half-mast and played a stirring rendition of “Taps.”

Cadet Abigail Vanderpool, Battalion Commander of the Pioneer Pride JROTC, addressed the crowd of fellow students and teachers at the yearly function. In her earnest and thoughtful speech, Vanderpool praised the courage and fortitude of the nation in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. A member of the Tennessee National Guard, she completed her basic training this summer in Fort Jackson, S.C. She plans to join the US Army upon graduation in 2024.

Col. Chuck Palmer, Senior Army Instructor of JROTC at the high school was on hand and spoke warmly of the cadets and their moving participation in the ceremony. “As we all know, 9/11 happened 22 years ago and it is striking to know these young men and women weren’t even born yet.” Also present was First Sgt. Tim Howard of the WCHS JROTC.

Twelve cadets performed the ceremony Monday. Senior River Pescevic serves as the honor guard and battalion commander. Sgt. Major. Loretta Fults, a senior, is the batallion executive officer and Johnathon Cox is the bravo company and flag detail commander.

These seniors, all members of JROTC since freshmen, plan on joining the US Army upon graduation.