The Bethel Navy JROTC cadets celebrated their 11th Annual Military Ball March 9th. The theme for the evening was “Our American Journey” and the cadets’ talents and patriotism made for a wonderful journey through the night. The guest of honor was Captain Paul W. Bucha, U.S. Army, who was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for gallantry in action in Vietnam. Captain Bucha captured the audience, and with 600 guests present the room was silent as he gave a strong message about service, sacrifice and being prepared to seize opportunity.
The cadets performed remarkably well, and in keeping with tradition the evening started with a formal receiving line, the officers entering through a sword arch honor guard, the parading of the colors, a formal POW/MIA commemoration, invocation and parading of the beef with bagpipes and drums. The colors were presented as Cadets Willis Ballard and Shane Kenny conducted a moving tribute to the flag, and all of the guests were presented with stars cut from worn flags that had flown over Bethel. The cadets and guests then clung to their stars as they proudly recited the pledge of allegiance and a group of 9 female cadets sang a beautiful rendition of the national anthem. The stars were cut from flags that were no longer serviceable, and the cadets learned from the flag code that they must be destroyed in a “dignified manner”, so the flags were handled respectfully and remnants discarded appropriately.
Highlights of the evening included entertainment during dinner when a dance troupe and singers performed the Andrews Sisters hit “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy of Company B”. The female cadets all dressed in 1940’s style swing dresses, and the male cadets were in WWII era sailor and soldier uniforms. As the ladies sang the dance troupe broke out into the swing dance they had learned in class. This number was followed up by a playful rendition of “stupid cupid”, which was a hit by Connie Francis in the 1950’s. The final portion of the evening’s formalities was the Commanders Waltz. Lt. Commander and Mrs. Dwinells were joined by 15 couples who performed a beautiful 3-minute synchronized waltz to the Prandi Orchestra rendition of “Indian Love Call”. The parents, grandparents, family, friends, veterans and elected officials in attendance were in awe of the cadets’ performance throughout the night.
