Ohio State remembers alumni who sacrificed for service

The Ohio State University honored the 918 alumni who sacrificed their lives in the service of the nation on Wednesday at the annual Rock Ceremony attended by hundreds of students, university leaders, community members and veterans.

The ceremony, held at University Hall, dates to 1919 and concludes with a wreath-laying at a memorial rock in front of Bricker Hall. A 21-gun salute and a rendition of “Taps” are also part of the tradition.

Ravi V. Bellamkonda, Ohio State’s executive vice president and provost, led the wreath laying and noted that traditions like the Rock Ceremony help connect the university across generations.

“The thing about traditions and having a culture of honoring them is that they bind us through time,” he said. “They bind us to those who’ve gone before and on whose shoulders we stand today as we look ahead.”

Bellamkonda said the commitment to service is part of a proud tradition at Ohio State.

“As Buckeyes, we always pay it forward, to give of ourselves, to help those who are in the greatest time of need. Nowhere is that spirit more prominent than amongst our young men and women here who are part of our ROTC program and the former service members who are completing their education on our campuses,” he said. “You inspire us through your commitment to service and for striving for excellence in everything that you do.”

During the ceremony, Bellamkonda awarded an honorary degree to Jesse Brown, an Ohio State alumnus and one of the first Black Navy aviators. Brown died in combat during the Korean War.

The provost was joined by Joshua Davis for the wreath-laying. Davis, president of the Ohio State chapter of the Student Veterans Association, said the Rock Ceremony is a reminder of why service and sacrifice still matter.

“Many of us who have worn the uniform understand that service does not end when we take it off. It evolves,” he said.

SVAOSU supports and assists veterans, service members and their families in their transition to civilian life upon completion of service, and helps them navigate any challenges with their time on campus.

“It becomes about building community, lifting up one another, and creating opportunities for the next generation of veterans and their families,” Davis said.

Ohio State is a nationally recognized university for the military-connected community with an ambitious goal of being the best in the nation. University President Walter “Ted” Carter Jr., a 38-year veteran of the U.S. Navy, set a goal for Ohio State to be the first choice and gold standard for every veteran in America seeking postsecondary education, career transition and lifelong well-being.

More than 2,300 military-connected students attend the university in undergraduate, graduate and professional programs, including over 400 ROTC participants. Additionally, Ohio State employs approximately 1,600 faculty and staff veterans.

Ohio State will observe Veterans Day on Nov. 11. There will be no classes and offices will be closed.