LIMESTONE, Maine — Military prep students from the Loring Job Corps Center recently traveled to Washington, D.C., to participate in the annual Association of the U.S Army Convention, as well as conduct a military history and educational overview of the nation’s capital.
While there, the students visited the many memorials and monuments that show the sacrifices of those who stood tall to defend freedom. The trip was even more meaningful for the selected students as they were chosen to represent the center in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery.
“The experience opened the students’ eyes as they saw firsthand how many brave Americans have paid the ultimate price for their freedom, and to share in the opportunity of honoring these Americans will stay with them forever,” said Roger Felix, business and community liaison at the Loring Job Corps Center.
The wreath-laying ceremony was made even more special because the wreath was made in Caribou at Noyes Flower and Plant Shop. Florists. The students felt it would be more meaningful if the arrangement was made locally, in the community that has allowed them to become part of many activities and helped celebrate in the 20th anniversary of Loring Job Corps in Maine.
The wreath was carried down with care as they traveled to Washington via passenger vans, and the students ensured it remained fresh using bags of ice to keep it cool. At the cemetery, the group carried the wreath on the long trek through the grounds to the Tomb of The Unknown Soldier, and personally presented it to the tomb guard prior to the ceremony.
During the wreath-laying, the tomb guards escorted the students to the memorial and allowed them to participate in the ceremony to honor the fallen. This was an emotional event for the students and many in the crowd watching the ceremony.
The students also arranged to have a flag flown over the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in honor of the Loring Center as it celebrates its 20th year in Northern Maine, as well as salute the many former students who have served or continue to serve in the military. The flag will be presented to the Job Corps Center director at the next community relations dinner and will then be on display for all to see.
Felix said, “The Honor Guard students want to thank everyone for all the support they received from the many veterans service organizations, Noyes Flower and Plant Shop, and the local community as they prepared and conducted this once-in-a-lifetime trip.”
Students who participate in the military prep program (the Honor Guard) at Loring are all volunteers and give up their personal time to train on military customs, drill and ceremony, and basic military skills, while also ensuring they stay current on their training and educational goals in their designated trades. These students can be seen conducting community service, marching in parades, presenting colors at events across New England or just serving as the ambassadors of Loring and the entire Job Corps community.
