“Sad and gloomy…trying to remember the deaths of the people, it’s hard to stay in a good mood.  The performance was very well thought out, it showed a lot of skill,” said Oxnard High School junior Alexis Marie Schmitz, referring to the September 11th Memorial tribute at OHS by Oxnard High’s Junior Reserve Officers’  Training Corps (J.R.O.T.C).

Speeches were delivered by Oxnard Union High School District Superintendent Dr. Gabe Soumakian, Principal Dr. Eric Riegert, Major Dale Weaver, and Mr. Sam Cvijanovich.

Schmitz said, “[Major Weaver] was relating to the audience that day and expressing his experiences and his connection to the military.” Schmitz was affected by Major Weaver’s presentation, as were others who attended the event.

Senior Guillermo Sandoval described the atmosphere as having “a remorseful mood,” adding that the performance of the cadets was “very thought out and very skillfully executed…very respectful.”

Referring to the performers, Performance Officer sophomore Andrew Felipe said “a good 10. They did really good– they did what they were supposed to.” Digital photography teacher Ms. Rainey Tanner said, “The cadets were so professional and really nice.”

“I went back to New York to visit the 9/11 museum…I was sick to my stomach. I didn’t think I would be. I couldn’t walk through the door. It had an emotional impact on me,” said Major Weaver. Mr. Cvijanovich said, “I have total respect for our country and what we stand for.”

“It’s a little unsettling to remember back to 9/11…to know those people didn’t even have a chance to defend themselves or even know what was happening is horrific,” said Mr. Cvijanovich.

Dr. Riegert, who participated in the program, said, “Let’s use this time to remember what happened on 9/11 and the years after and let’s hope someday, we will live in a world that does not have war.”