Ohio State honors veterans and fallen OSU soldiers

COLUMBUS - ROTC cadets will conduct their annual Memorial Rock Ceremony at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday (11/10) in front of Bricker Hall, 190 N. Oval Mall. 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.

Special guests will include the families of OSU alumni Maj. Gregory Fester and Lance Cpl. Edward (Augie) Schroeder, both of whom were killed in August while on active duty in Iraq.

WHAT: ROTC Memorial Rock Ceremony

WHEN: 8:30 a.m. on Thursday (11/10

WHERE: Bricker Hall, 190 N. Oval Mall

WHY: To honor OSU veterans and alumni who have died while serving their country.