A Veterans Day to remember for Lemoore High School's NJROTC program

The NJROTC Color Guard, comprised of Thomas Snell, Dillon Hamrick, Emily Williams and Will Wilkins, were center stage Saturday night before the evening’s main event – the super lightweight bout between Avenal’s Jose Ramirez (21-0) and undefeated challenger Mike Reed (23-1).

Unfortunately, following its official duties, Lemoore’s color guard didn’t get to see much of a fight. Before the team could put away its gear, Ramirez scored a second-round knockout to remain undefeated, thus setting up a world title bout on Feb. 16 against Amir Aman of Albany, New York.

A Lemoore High School contingent at the Palace Hotel and Casino for a Veterans' Day event.

Photo Courtesy NJROTC

The Fresno State Save Mart Center hosted the main event, where nearly 14,000 Ramirez fans showed up Saturday night to watch their hometown boy prove his mettle.

The same night, a large contingent of the school’s cadets marched in the annual Lemoore Veterans’ Parade in downtown Lemoore, another annual tradition for the school’s vaunted corps.

According to the program's instructor, Lt. Cmdr. John Wolstenholme, the school’s color guard is often requested. “Top Ranked Boxing actually called me over the phone requesting Lemoore High School specifically,” he said. “The kids said it was an honor to be part of this great event, especially on Veterans’ Day.”

The NJROTC’s commander said there are currently 230 cadets that participate in the school’s successful program. The school’s color guard teams perform on an average about three events per week.

Recently, a large contingent participated in the Tachi Palace and Hotel Casino for a Veterans’ Day event. Wolstenholme served as the guest speaker.