{"id":286844,"date":"2018-10-18T06:06:04","date_gmt":"2018-10-17T20:06:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.saipantribune.com\/?p=286844"},"modified":"2018-10-18T06:06:04","modified_gmt":"2018-10-17T20:06:04","slug":"jrotc-cadets-marine-recruits-clean-up-cemetery","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.saipantribune.com\/index.php\/jrotc-cadets-marine-recruits-clean-up-cemetery\/","title":{"rendered":"JROTC cadets, Marine recruits clean up cemetery"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"\"<\/a>
The Manta Ray Battalion, Ayuyu Battalion, and the U.S. Marine Corps recruits pose together for a photo after the Chalan Kanoa Cemetery cleanup. (Contributed Photos)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Cadets of the Saipan Southern High School\u2019s Manta Ray Battalion gathered at the Chalan Kanoa Cemetery, along with Kagman High School\u2019s Ayuyu Battalion and new recruits of the U.S. Marine Corps, on Oct. 13, 2018, to clean up the cemetery in preparation for the All Saints\u2019 Day and All Souls\u2019 Day celebrations on Nov. 1 and 2.<\/p>\n

\u2029The CNMI\u2019s predominantly Catholic community traditionally visit the graves of family members and loved ones on Nov. 1 and Nov. 2.<\/p>\n

\u2029A total of 130 cadets attended the early morning cleanup last Oct. 13. The Manta Ray Battalion, led by battalion commander, cadet\/ LTC Nicole Malasarte, and the supervision of senior Army instructor CSM Richard S. Basa, spruced up the north side of the cemetery. <\/p>\n

\u2029More than 200 bags of trash, debris, worn-out flowers, and candles were gathered in less than four hours. <\/p>\n

\u2029Community volunteer Max Aguon also took part in the cemetery cleanup by providing transportation to take out the bags of trash. <\/p>\n

\u2029The purpose of the cleanup is to prepare the cemetery for the upcoming observance of All Saint\u2019s Day and All Soul\u2019s Day. <\/p>\n

\u2029\u201cAs a community, we should better ourselves by showing respect to those who have been buried. Trash should be properly disposed of. \u2026As cadets, or leaders, we demonstrate dedication to citizenship, knowledge of civic responsibilities, and self-discipline. We encourage others to participate in such cleanups that will benefit a community,\u201d the Manta Ray Battalion said in a statement. (PR)<\/p>\n