Soft patriotic music breaks the usual morning quiet. Students, teachers, administrators, and the mayor of Pembroke Pines gather on a small patch of grass between the A and C buildings at Pembroke Pines Charter High School (PPCHS). All come for one reason: to dedicate the garden built there in honor of both veterans alive and fallen.
This garden has been long in the making, with the Military Leadership Club (MLC) collaborating on the designs and buying the equipment starting last school year.
“To think we started this community project two years ago is crazy,” says senior MLC commander Ryan Perez. “The amount of work this garden took was a lot, but seeing the end result and such a big group of people coming together to watch the dedication made it all worth it.”
The dedication ceremony starts precisely at 7:30 am, with the MLC honor guard presenting the colors alongside the national anthem. As everyone stands, the Charter bell rings five times for the five branches of the military and in honor of all veterans who gave their lives to protect ours.
Following the moving moment of silence, Pembroke Pines Mayor Angelo Castillo and Principal Peter Bayer take the microphone, both expressing their excitement for the new garden and gratitude toward all the veterans in attendance. In a surprise announcement, Mayor Castillo officially dedicates Dec. 11 as Pembroke Pines Charter High School Veterans Garden Day.
Afterwards, senior and MLC president Ryan Perez says a few words giving thanks to everyone who helped make this project possible. Once the speeches were over, it came the time for Ryan Perez, Mayor Castillo, and our SRO Officer Bucknam to cut the ribbon, signifying the garden’s grand opening to the public.
“That moment was quite special to me,” expresses Ryan Perez. “Cutting that ribbon brought back all the hardships and planning it took to get this garden here.”
Students are allowed to go into the Veterans Garden and use it during lunch, as long as all trash is picked up and the garden itself is kept clean.
“The purpose of this garden, first and foremost, is to honor the veterans who have fallen in battle and those who lived to keep us free,” Officer Bucknam explains. “The area is open to students so they can relax and hang out during their lunch.”
The Veterans Garden now stands as a permanent reminder of the sacrifices made by those who served and a testament to the hard work of the MLC. What began as a club community project has become a lasting symbol, ensuring that the future Jags will never forget the service and sacrifice of veterans on campus.
