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Orange High School Marine Corps JROTC cadets march from the school to the Elks Club for a luncheon to honor the Marine Corps 248th Birthday in Orange, CA, on Thursday, November 9, 2023. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)
On the U.S. Marine Corps‘ 248th birthday, members of Orange High’s Marine Corps JROTC program marched as a unit over to a celebratory luncheon.
Colonel Mark Tully leads Orange High School Marine Corps JROTC cadets as they march from the school to the Elks Club for a luncheon to honor the Marine Corps 248th Birthday in Orange, CA, on Thursday, November 9, 2023. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Orange High School Marine Corps JROTC cadets get ready for the Elks Club luncheon to honor the Marine Corps 248th Birthday in Orange, CA, on Thursday, November 9, 2023. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Orange High School Marine Corps JROTC Private First Class Thomas Sotelo stands at the door to the Elks Club as his fellow cadets arrive for a luncheon to honor the Marine Corps 248th Birthday in Orange, CA, on Thursday, November 9, 2023. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)
A birthday cake for the Elks Club luncheon to honor the Marine Corps 248th Birthday in Orange, CA, on Thursday, November 9, 2023. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Orange High School Marine Corps JROTC cadets march from the school to the Elks Club for a luncheon to honor the Marine Corps 248th Birthday in Orange, CA, on Thursday, November 9, 2023. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Colonel Mark Tully leads Orange High School Marine Corps JROTC cadets as they march from the school to the Elks Club for a luncheon to honor the Marine Corps 248th Birthday in Orange, CA, on Thursday, November 9, 2023. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Orange High School Marine Corps JROTC cadets march from the school to the Elks Club for a luncheon to honor the Marine Corps 248th Birthday in Orange, CA, on Thursday, November 9, 2023. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Orange High School Marine Corps JROTC Private Elizabeth Stewart stands at the door to the Elks Club during a luncheon to honor the Marine Corps 248th Birthday in Orange, CA, on Thursday, November 9, 2023. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Orange High School Marine Corps JROTC cadets march from the school to the Elks Club for a luncheon to honor the Marine Corps 248th Birthday in Orange, CA, on Thursday, November 9, 2023. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Orange High School Marine Corps JROTC cadets get ready for the Elks Club luncheon to honor the Marine Corps 248th Birthday in Orange, CA, on Thursday, November 9, 2023. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Orange High School Marine Corps JROTC cadets march from the school to the Elks Club for a luncheon to honor the Marine Corps 248th Birthday in Orange, CA, on Thursday, November 9, 2023. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Orange High School Marine Corps JROTC Private First Class Thomas Sotelo stands at the door to the Elks Club as his fellow cadets arrive for a luncheon to honor the Marine Corps 248th Birthday in Orange, CA, on Thursday, November 9, 2023. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Corporal Mark Wayland arrives at the Elks Club for luncheon to honor the Marine Corps 248th Birthday in Orange, CA, on Thursday, November 9, 2023. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)
As in years past, the cadets marched in uniform about three-quarters of a mile from their school to the Elks Club on East Chapman Avenue for the birthday celebration where local officials met them. There, they helped carry out the ceremony and provided the color guard.
Col. Mark Tull and Master Sgt. Carlos Mata — both retired Marines who are instructors with the ROTC program — also assisted with the afternoon’s events.
The JROTC program helps students learn leadership skills and build character in and out of the classroom, the school says. According to Orange High, it is designed to help students become ready for college.
