Veterans Day events honor Ohio State alumni who served

A somber ceremony honored the sacrifices made by alumni of The Ohio State University on the eve of Veterans Day.

The annual Rock Ceremony honors more than 1,000 alumni from Ohio State who have lost their lives in the service of their country as members of the armed forces. Army, Navy and Air Force ROTC units lead the ceremony each year.

“Gone but not forgotten. That’s a true motto that I know has lived with me and it’s lived with many who have served,” said retired Marine Major Jeff Hullinger.

Hullinger, a 2000 graduate of the university, served in Iraq and Afghanistan. He was the guest speaker at the ceremony and said the tradition of paying respect to fallen alumni dates back to World War I.

“I participated in the Rock Ceremonies back when I was here with a Navy ROTC unit,” he said. “And then to come back here and be asked to speak and share some moments from my life and what this means to me with the individuals here at this ceremony, it’s an honor.”

The Rock Ceremony concludes with a wreath laying in front of the rock dedicated to fallen alumni that rests at Bricker Hall. A 21-gun salute and a bugle rendition of “Taps” close out the remembrance.

“It’s always moving,” said Bob Joseph, a 1968 graduate who served more than 25 years in the Army and Army Reserve. Joseph said he has been to the ceremony for at least 10 years in a row and supports a scholarship that aids current ROTC members.

Veterans are also honored throughout the day in the oval. Cadets and midshipmen lead the Veterans Day Silent Run.

ROTC students carry the flag on theVeterans Day Silent Run

The 12-hour run began at 6 a.m. with ROTC members running in a continuous loop around the Oval. They carry the U.S. flag and a flag honoring prisoners of war and those missing in action.

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