Ohio State honors veterans and fallen OSU soldiers - 11/05/02

COLUMBUS - ROTC cadets will conduct the annual Rock Ceremony at the Memorial Rock in front of Bricker Hall at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday (11/7). The ceremony recognizes the more than 900 Ohio State alumni who died in service to the country as members of the armed forces. The tradition of honoring these veterans dates to 1919 when Taps was played once per week in memory of students who had lost their lives. That tradition has evolved into the Rock Ceremony, conducted by campus Army, Navy and Air Force ROTC units.

The brief program includes a flag ceremony, a rifle salute, the playing of the National Anthem and Taps, and the laying of a wreath at the rock in front of Bricker Hall that was dedicated to Ohio State's WWI veterans.

Bill Hall, vice president for student affairs, will speak at the ceremony. In addition to his higher education experience, Hall has a distinguished military career with the Ohio Army National Guard. He is a graduate of the U.S. Army War College and retired in 1998 with the rank of Brigadier General.

WHAT:ROTC cadets will honor OSU veterans and alumni who have died while serving
their country.

WHEN: 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 7.

WHERE: Memorial Rock in front of Bricker Hall.

WHY: Ohio State ROTC cadets honor veterans for their contributions and sacrifices.