ROBERTO CLEMENTE JROTC CADETS
HONORS AND TRADITIONS
By 1LT Alfredo Albiter, Wildcats Battalion
Flag Detail Commander
The flag of the United States is the most notable symbol of our nation, recognized by people all over the world. Every day, at all military installations and government buildings you will see this symbol of our nation displayed, hanging from poles on the building or free-standing flagpoles. The flag is displayed no matter what the weather is like. At Roberto Clemente, our cadets continue this tradition and honor the nation with the raising of the flag on the flagpole in front of our school, at the start of the school day. Other than at Chicago Public Schools military academy high schools, Roberto Clemente cadets are the only JROTC program that does this for their school.
When a cadet wants to join the Flag Detail I tell them, “It’s not only about marking the beginning to our day; it’s about giving tribute to the men and women who made this country what it is today. We are recognizing those who served us and it is our way of contributing back to the nation. We reflect the contributions made by thousands of citizens for decades. We do this for all who sacrificed their lives as well.”
Cadets arrive every morning at 7:30 a.m., making sure the flag is raised by 7:45 a.m. At 3:05 p.m., the team lowers the flag. Flag detail member Cadet Staff Sergeant Fernando Barrientos adds that he has participated in flag raising or lowering detail in beautiful weather, pouring rain, and blowing snow. “When we perform flag detail, we represent leadership qualities of loyalty, duty, honor, and respect”, said Cadet Captain Secelia Crespo. Cadet Captain Rosaly Gonzalez reminds team members that flag detail also represents the IB learner profile trait of being principled, as we act with respect for the dignity and rights of people everywhere.
So the next time you see cadets marching through the halls or in front of the school, carrying a triangle shaped flag, remember that we are more than a synchronized team on a walk; we are a team of cadets, integrating the Army values and IB learner profile every day. We are the proud and motivated Roberto Clemente Wildcat Battalion Flag Detail. We are proud to do our part, to show respect to all people represented by the United States flag!