PRESIDENT NYGREN, GALLUP HIGH JROTC MEET FOR WINDOW ROCK CEREMONY
Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren met with the Gallup High School Bengal Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps during a Veterans Day event at the Navajo Nation Museum in Window Rock, Arizona Nov. 11.
The event included a proclamation signing to honor Navajo veterans from the Navajo Nation who served in the armed forces. The JROTC posted the colors at the beginning of the ceremony and concluded the event by retiring the flags.
Nygren commended the Gallup High JROTC for their commitment to service and for representing their school and community, who brought in the flags to post the flags to start the Veterans Day event.
“Our youth are so important to the future of our people and our nation. I’m proud to see our young leaders taking part in programs like JROTC that promote leadership, discipline, and service to others,” Nygren said.
Cadet Lt. Colonel Elijah Ramos, who quietly sang the Marine Corps Hymn during the signing of the 248th Marine Corps birthday proclamation, said helping honor Navajo veterans was an honor.
“Our color guard stands proud,” Ramos said.
After receiving his appreciation letter, Ramos said he had already enlisted in the Marine Corps and was waiting to head to boot camp after graduating from high school. Ramos enlisted under the delayed entry program.
Nygren thanked the JROTC students for their professionalism and dedication to honoring the Navajo veterans. He presented the students to the crowd and then presented them with gifts inside the Navajo Nation Presidential office.
“The mission of JROTC is to motivate young people to become better citizens. And part of that has to offer community service and every time we have an opportunity to do something like this, they stand tall and I’m proud to take them anywhere that they’re needed,” Ramos said.
Staff Reports
